Mr [Peter Corish] said farmers controlled 60per cent of the Australian landscape, with the present policies requiring them to lock up land to preserve the environment not recognising the real costs to farmers, and limiting their ability to sustainably manage their properties. Green groups, including the Australian Conservation Foundation and WWF, said any attempt to weaken land-clearing laws were “extremely irresponsible”. But they have welcomed talk of compensating farmers.

FARMERS and environmentalists have reached rare accord on a new investment package to pay farmers to restrict vegetation clearing on farmlands.

The National Farmers Federation yesterday welcomed the support of green groups for payments and incentives to farmers undertaking environmental activities.

The NFF is calling for a federal funding body to be known as the national environment management program to encourage farmers to preserve biodiversity on their land.

“At present there is no incentive or support for a farmer to manage feral animals, native grasses or biodiversity and to enhance thenatural values of these areas,” NFF president Peter Corish said. “As a result, poor outcomes are achieved for farmers as well as theenvironment.”

Mr Corish said farmers controlled 60per cent of the Australian landscape, with the present policies requiring them to lock up land to preserve the environment not recognising the real costs to farmers, and limiting their ability to sustainably manage their properties. Green groups, including the Australian Conservation Foundation and WWF, said any attempt to weaken land-clearing laws were “extremely irresponsible”. But they have welcomed talk of compensating farmers.

“Most Australians want to help farmers to do the right thing,” ACF rural landscapes officer Corey Watts said. “Most farmers understand they have a responsibility to care for the land.”

WWF’s landscape conservation manager Paul Toni said green groups were willing to sit down with farmers and governments to find “responsible, sustainable ways forward”.

“Many farmers need more support, including financial assistance, for sustainable land management,” Mr Toni said. “We believe there should be financial incentives, but the exact mechanisms are yet to be agreed, but we are keen to work with government and farmers to do so.”