Queensland scientists are warning of devastating habitat and species loss if changes to the states land clearing laws go ahead.

Twenty-seven academics from universities across Queensland are urging Premier Campbell Newman to reconsider proposed changes to the Vegetation Management Act.

These are big policy decisions and theyll affect our wildlife and our biodiversity forever, so we think its really important to get them right, said Concerned Queensland Scientists spokeswoman Martine Maron.

An amendment bill was introduced into parliament in March and referred to the parliamentary committee for State Development, Infrastructure and Industry, which is due to report back on Tuesday May 14.

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If approved, the changes would allow further vegetation clearance for dryland and irrigated high-value agriculture, to help the government achieve its goal of doubling Queenslands food production by 2040.

But Dr Maron, a senior lecturer in environmental management at the University of Queensland, said it would come at the cost of high-conservation regrowth such as the brigalow tree.

Theres less than 10 per cent of it left, and thats why its nationally endangered, she said.

We cant get that plant community off the threatened list if we keep clearing it we need to allow some of that high-value regrowth to mature.

"Theres many species that rely upon not just mature bushland, but also that high-value regrowth, in order to survive."

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Land clearing a killer: scientists

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A DRIVE to Kajang or Rawang has become an upsetting experience, not because of the road conditions or traffic congestion, but the brown patches that have replaced most of the once-green hills there.

Upon entering the Cheras-Kajang Highway, motorists will be able to see land clearing activities taking place on the undulating hills in the distance. Ironically, this is the direction city folk take when heading to places such as Hulu Langat, Semenyih and Broga for some fresh air.

Similarly, when motorists drive along the North-South Expressway towards the supposedly greener areas on the fringes of the state such as Serendah and Bukit Beruntung, they will be greeted by row after row of land cleared for quarry, plantation or housing development.

I am sad about what is happening around here, said Cheras resident Yong Boo Ying.

Every now and then, I see the hills being cut for housing development or another large stretch being stripped bare of its greenery. This has been happening at an alarming rate over the past few years, she added.

Selayang MCA Youth chief Lee Li Yew said he was doubtful that the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) was doing its part to monitor the land clearing along the North-South Expressway.

Although these are private land, the clearing has to be watched closely. I noticed that the land has been cleared but no ground work has been done after that. I suspect they are chopping down the trees without approval, he said.

It may take detailed surveys to prove the land clearing activities are affecting the delicate balance of the eco-system but the flooding in the Klang Valley, that is occurring more frequently, is certainly a warning sign.

On the other hand, looking at existing laws and plans, there is no lack of clauses in place to ensure the equilibrium between development and the environment.

In Selangor, there are the Selangor Structure Plan 2020 as well as the development plans for various localities, further supported by the need for sustainability assessment during the planning process and Local Agenda 21 that calls for public consultation.

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Land clearing activities in Selangor stripping away precious greenery