Protest against land clearing changes

Conservationists have protested outside Queensland parliament over what they say is a broken promise not to relax tree clearing laws.

The state government is expected to pass amendments to vegetation management laws on Tuesday to allow farmers to clear their land without permits for routine management, such as building fences.

They won't be able to clear remanent forest, except when they have approval to establish a high-value agricultural area.

The government says the previous Labor government allowed the pendulum to swing too far towards extreme green policies and farmers support the changes.

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But opposition environment spokeswoman Jackie Trad says millions of hectares of regrowth vegetation will be vulnerable to clearing.

She says Premier Campbell Newman promised twice not to change the laws.

"He is breaking an election promise and the people of Queensland will judge him harshly for that," Ms Trad said.

About 30 activists protested outside parliament house, many dressed in koala suits and holding placards reading: "No tree, no me".

The Wilderness Society's Tim Seelig said Queensland used to be the land clearing capital of Australia.

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Protest against land clearing changes