COOKE RELEASES FORMAL SUBMISSION OPPOSING CHANGES TO LAND MANAGEMENT CODE
- Steph Cooke MP
- Jul 29, 2025
- 2 min read
Tuesday, 29 July 2025
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke has released her formal submission to Local Land Services, strongly opposing the Government’s proposed amendments to the Land Management (Native Vegetation) Code 2018 that would change how farmers manage their land.
Ms Cooke said the proposed amendments present serious concerns for farmers across the electorate and called out the NSW Minns Government’s failure to properly consult with those most affected.
“As the Member for one of the largest rural seats in New South Wales, I am deeply concerned by what is being proposed,” Ms Cooke said.
“These changes will directly impact farming families who are already doing the hard work of managing their land sustainably and yet they’ve had very little say in the process.”
Ms Cooke’s submission highlights her concerns, which include:
The removal of set aside discounts which would see more productive land locked up indefinitely and allow Local Land Services (LLS) to enter properties and dictate where these areas are located.
The introduction of a new 'invasiveness test' which would make it harder and more expensive for farmers to manage woody vegetation, increasing both delays and treatment costs.
The reduction in authorisation periods from 15 years to just seven or even three, which undermines long-term land management planning by farmers.
“These changes simply don’t reflect the realities of farming life or the long-term approach landholders take to looking after their properties,” Ms Cooke said.
“What’s most disappointing is the complete lack of meaningful consultation.
"The Minister has been missing in action and the NSW Minns Government is showing no leadership in agriculture right now.”
Ms Cooke is urging all local landholders to read her submission and engage with the consultation process by submitting their own feedback to LLS.
Residents have until August 1, 2025, to submit feedback to:https://www.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/land-management-code-amendments
