LOCAL tensions are running high ahead of the parliamentary debate on the divisive native vegetation bill that's expected to take place in the next fortnight.
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The controversial Shooters and Fishers Party amendment was formed in consultation with NSW Farmers and was introduced in May this year.
The bill has faced repeated delays, divided the National Party and inflamed emotions in the wake of the alleged murder of environment officer Glen Turner over a land-clearing dispute in July.
Walgett farmer Cameron Rowntree said NSW Farmers was eager for changes to the "ridiculous" existing land-clearing laws.
"The definition of broadscale clearing has to change one tree is not broadscale clearing," he said.
He said there was a disparity where residents of Mosman could take chainsaws to their trees because of a bushfire risk, while farmers were heavily restrained by legislation.
"We can't even take out one tree now that's a joke," he said.
"Farmers are under massive pressure to maintain their viability."
He said the government had proposed watering down the amendment to allow farmers to clear "one tree per year".
"They put a line through every single part of the agreement. It was laughable. It was insulting," he said.
He said the Baird government's response prompted NSW Farmers to swarm Parliament House to support the bill when it was expected to be debated two weeks ago.
But the WWF has echoed local ecologist Phil Spark in calling on the government to reject the bill, as the act is already under an independent biodiversity review which has received up to 400 submissions.
"Strong enforced laws, properly explained, would end the mixed messages that landholders have been getting and end illegal clearing," Mr Spark said.
An interim report from the review panel is due in mid-October, just days after the bill is to be debated.
Mr Spark suggested the bill was insensitive, in light of the Turner tragedy, but Shooters and Fishers Party leader Robert Brown reiterated that the bill was introduced well before the devastating incident.
In a submission to the biodiversity legislation review, the Turner family said they were "appalled" by the bill and expressed fears weakening legislation would cause "irreparable damage" to the environment.
National Party members Troy Grant and Kevin Humphries have signalled their support for the bill, but member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said he was reserving judgment until the bill was debated in the upper house.
"It's still very raw," he said.
The bill is likely to be discussed at the legislative council on October 14 or 15.
