28th. May 2012

This letter was sent to the Country Life on the 19/05/2012 but was ignored! We however think it is relevant and important. We ask The Country Life to keep politics out of their rag!

Ian j Nelson


Letter to the Editor,
Country Life.
 
Dear Sir,                                                                                   19 – 5 - 2012
BAT MADNESS
 
Bat madness is still adversely affecting peoples brains as demonstrated in comments appearing in Ashley Walmsley’s article C/L 16 / 5 / 2012.
         
The current lunatic bat loving policy of the past Labor government has its followers who were happy to label farmers Rednecks when they want to protect their crops to provide food for humans instead of bats.
 
A step in the right direction by the LNP to balance this issue is still a pathetic jelly leg toe in the water approach to the potentially dangerous over population bat problem.
         
The LNP needs to beat the drum of sanity now well beyond their ineffective current position and not wait for the potential Armageddon.
         
From the USA Times 25 / 4 / 2012;  in France: “ Scientists studying bats have found dozens of new members of a virus family linked to human diseases”
         
It is now worthy of the LNP to note history and the facts of history to cut government interference ,cost, and the big stick approach.

For the last 100 years farmers have been protecting many of our food crops from a broad range of predatory animals with their preferred weapon, the gun.

The use of guns to protect crops from excessive flying fox attack has not wiped out the species. This fact has a simple explanation: “ It was never the farming community’s intent.” To me this clearly demonstrates that farmers left to their own devices for survival are overwhelming a responsible lot.
         
Take note LNP and act decisively and strongly to correct Labor’s past madness on this issue. Remove the $100,000 fine or 1 year imprisonment.

Government credibility can not be restored whilst this virtual blackmail threat is in place.

Restore the farmer’s  fundamental right to protect their crops with the gun, no permit required, other means by permission if necessary.
         
Issue permits to local councils or other responsible groups to reduce the flying fox numbers in town camps; some will die some will move on, in the end a balance will be restored in all the farmer’s , consumer’s and flying fox’s interests.
 
 
 
                             P. Wise
                             Wises Farm, Wises Rd
                             Maroochydore.
                             Qld.             4558.
 
                  Ph. number withheld.