The National Parks Association of NSW today welcomed the NSW Government’s proposal to reform nature laws, beginning with the Biodiversity Conservation Act and Local Land Services Act.
‘NPA is particularly pleased with the Government’s adoption of a ‘Nature Positive’ approach, a commitment to repair and restore natural systems rather than simply regulating their degradation. The report also forecasts solid improvements to the Biodiversity Conservation Act and Local Land Services Act’ stated NPA CEO Gary Dunnett.
‘The increased focus on avoiding adverse impacts on biodiversity, mapping areas of biodiversity significance, recognition of climate change and, for the first time, serious consideration of the cumulative impacts of past development are all essential improvements’.
‘These reforms are a good first step, but only a first step in responding to the extinction and climate crises facing NSW. Most disappointingly, the Government rejected the Henry review’s recommended ‘red lines’ over development in areas of high biodiversity value. That independent review made it clear that biodiversity regulation is doomed to failure without ‘red lines’ to signal that inappropriate development will be rejected’.
‘Better mapping of areas of high biodiversity value is a poor alternative. The last decade has taught that even the most significant natural areas, places such as the irreplaceable Kosciuszko National Park, are vulnerable to Government approved bulldozers. Our National Parks, Protected Areas and other habitats of high biodiversity need unconditional legislative protection.
‘Without offering red lines in nature laws all the Government is doing is putting another row of hurdles for developers to jump over.’
‘The proposed NSW Nature Strategy is a good place to begin addressing these shortcomings. It is also the chance to plug two yawning holes in the current nature laws, namely the shameful neglect of our State’s marine biodiversity, and the inadequate protections for native vegetation in severely cleared bioregions.
‘We need nature laws that recognise that biodiversity doesn’t stop below the high tide mark, nor at property boundaries’
‘The upcoming NSW Nature Strategy is also an opportunity for Government to detail how it will meet our obligations under the Convention of Biological Diversity, including the restoration of at least 30% of degraded lands and protecting at least 30% of land and seas for biodiversity conservation’.
ENDS
Media Contacts:
Grahame Douglas, President NPA NSW. Gary Dunnett, CEO NPA NSW (02) 9299 0000