Waterway Access Rights

I’m bemused that the media are reporting that farmers are being given a right of veto over access to their land. This makes it sound like the Government is giving them some sort of privilege.

By this logic homeowners are being given a right of veto over who can watch their TV in their front lounge.

Farmers are not being given any special veto. They are merely not having their rights as land owners over ridden by legislation. And in my experience as someone who has tramped on private farm land, it is rare for a farmer to decline access if you just take the time to ask them politely.

Also worth noting that the public still have the right to go up and down waterways on private land – just no legislated right to cross land to get to the waterway more directly.