STOP Code 10/50 Protest.
On Monday 24 November 2014 a STOP Code 10/50 Protest was held outside the then NSW Premier Mike Baird’s electoral office in Manly.
The 10/50 Code allows the removal of trees and vegetation without permission from private property. It is having a devastating effect on metropolitan areas and conservation areas across NSW.
Groups and individuals from across Sydney and the Central Coast came together to protest Code 10/50 and demand that the NSW Premier puts a stop to the debacle that this legislation has become.
The protest was hosted by the Lane Cove Bushland and Conservation Society, Save Little Manly Foreshore Inc, Beecroft-Cheltenham Civic Trust and Mosman Parks & Bushland Association.
As part of the protest, groups and individuals presented the Premier with stumps of trees that had recently been cut in their neighbourhoods under Code 10/50 for reasons that had nothing to do with bushfire.
Lane Cove Bushland and Conservation Society Spokesperson Corinne Fisher said: “We now know that Code 10/50 is being widely misused and that it is a complete and utter policy failure. Why the Premier hasn’t yet stopped this carnage of our neighbourhoods boggles the mind.”
Save Little Manly Beach Foreshore Inc. President Jacqueline French said: “Mike Baird and his liberal Government’s 10/50 regulations are facilitating the wholesale destruction of our precious trees, birds and all wildlife that depend on trees for habitat. 10/50 has to go - NOW.”
Mosman Parks & Bushland Association Vice President Yolande Stone said: “109 trees lost in Mosman- not one of them because of bushfire risk. Code 10/50 must go.”
Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust President Kent Ross said: “The Beecroft-Cheltenham Civic Trust has been active for 50 years in protecting the heritage, environment and character of our locality. Our residents were horrified to learn the NSW Government passed this law on 1st August without any announcement or community consultation. We have asked that a halt be imposed on this legislation until the consequences are fully examined.”
Nature Conservation Council CEO Kate Smolski said: “There was a very good system in place that allowed residents to have their bushfire risk assessed by professionals from the Rural Fire Service. It is difficult to understand why the Baird government has undermined that. The rule overrides years of carefully crafted environmental protections, including the Threatened Species Conservation Act and tree preservation orders - protections many people have fought for years to put in place. The government should immediately suspend the 10/50 law and consult with affected communities more thoroughly.”
Total Environment Centre Executive Director Jeff Angel said: "A bad law is when government drafts it without understanding all the consequences and leaves it open to gross abuse and consequent serious environmental damage. That's what the Baird government has done with 10/50. The wildlife habitat mosaic in Sydney is being destroyed particularly through the loss of mature trees by those who are only interested in further development and enhancement of views. It's time for the state government to stop the carnage."
