27 February, 2015
The Greens conservation platform sets a benchmark for other parties to match
The Nature Conservation Council of NSW has welcomed the package of measures the Greens have proposed to protect the state’s “environmental jewels”. [1]
“The Greens have set the benchmark for nature conservation so far in this election campaign,” said NCC CEO Kate Smolski said. “What nature really needs is for the Liberal and Labor parties to match it.”
“The conservation platform unveiled by Greens Environment Spokesperson Dr Mehreen Faruqi broadly reflects the concerns and policy priorities outlined by the conservation movement in its policy platform, Our Environment, Our Future, which was launched last August. [2]
“We strongly endorse their plans to expand the state’s national park and reserve system, restore full protections to marine sanctuaries, and ban mining, logging and shooting in the national parks estate.”
Ms Smolski said the national parks estate in NSW had been under unprecedented attack over the past four years from radical elements within the government.
“Regrettably, the Coalition has been all too ready to entertain proposals from extremists to allow amateur hunting in the national parks estate, and it has actively pursued options for exploiting conservation areas by allowing grazing and logging in our parks.
“Only sustained community campaigning prevented a full-blown program allowing hunters into national parks, but grazing in reserves is now occurring, and logging in these areas being seriously considered.”
Ms Smolski said she was reassured the Greens were committed to strengthening existing biodiversity and conservation laws, because the review of the state’s biodiversity legislation contained many damaging proposals, including revoking the Native Vegetation Act.
“We see this as one of the most pressing threats facing nature in NSW,” she said.
“The environment movement is deeply concerned by proposals to replace the Native Vegetation Act and Threatened Species Act with laws that would put profit ahead of critical water resources and threatened wildlife.
“We also need to reform the planning system to ensure the interests of communities and the environment are put ahead of the interests of developers and mining companies,” she said.
[1] www.smh.com.au/nsw/nsw-state-election-2015/nsw-state-election-2015-greens-environment-policy-would-halt-whitehaven-mine-shooting-in-national-parks-20150226-13pskp.html
[2] www.nature.org.au/media/2116/our-environment-our-future-revised-february-2015.pdf
Tags
NSW ParliamentForests and wildlife
Let others know about this issue