Farmers urge Govt to heed individual rights

Press, 10 January 1983, Page 2

Farmers urge Govt to heed individual rights

PA Wellington Federated Farmers yesterday urged that greater Government attention be paid to the rights of individuals losing land for national development projects. There were an increasing number of cases where the right to the natural enjoyment of land was in danger of being unsurped by the “national interest” or "the public good, whatever that might mean,” said the federation's president, Mr W. R. Storey.

While the federation did not oppose energy development it did consider that the individual must not be disadvantaged to any greater degree than was absolutely necessary, he said.

“If it is found that a project is in the national interest, the landowner, who has not asked to be evicted from his land, should be treated generously and adequately compensated, not only for the loss in land but for the disruption to a lifestyle that might never be restored,” Mr Storey said. The federation had sought the use of liaison officers appointed as the farmer’s representative, and funded by the developer, who could isolate problems and ensure that farmers were not disadvantaged. This system had worked well, he said. It was important to keep in mind that “land alone endures” and that development should be tailored accordingly.