Murder of Glen Turner documented

Cultivating Murder is a new feature documentary that tells the heart-rending story of Mr Turner, who was gunned down on the side of a public road in Croppa Creek, 40 kilometres from Moree in 2014.

Mr Turner was investigating illegal land clearing when he was murdered, and since his death the NSW government has thrown out the Native Vegetation Act and replaced it with legislation that will allow even greater broadscale land clearing to occur, much as it has in Queensland.

This film offers an insight into what large farming concerns and agribusiness see as the future and it does not include responsible land management and conservation of the natural environment.

The killer, Ian Turnbull, a wealthy NSW rural producer, had previously been prosecuted for illegal land clearing. During the trial Turnbull pleaded not guilty on the grounds of “substantial impairment” claiming the OEH was bankrupting his family agribusiness, and as a result, he was suffering acute depression. He was found guilty of murder and died, 82, on March 27 in hospital while serving a 35-year sentence.

The film tells the story of four people who are deeply affected by the case: Alison McKenzie, Mr Turner’s partner who is left alone with their two children and is concerned that the killer may escape a just punishment; Fran Pearce, Mr Turner’s younger sister, who joins Alison as they attend the Supreme Court trial; Alaine Anderson, a farmer in Croppa Creek and neighbour of the killer who is now concerned that the community has deeply divided; and Phil Spark, an environmental consultant, who has taken it upon himself to investigate cases of broadscale land-clearing.

The screenings are on Sunday, May 28, at 1.30pm at Mt Vic Flicks, $12 adult and $10 concession at the door or book online www.trybooking.com/PZTG. And at Warrimoo Citizens Hall, Great Western Highway at 6pm. $10 at the door or book at www.stickytickets.com.au/52764. 

Director Gregory Miller will conduct Q&A sessions after both screenings.