The National Parks Association of NSW has welcomed coal mining company South32’s abandonment of their proposed expansion of the Dendrobium mine under Sydney’s drinking water catchment. We now call on Environment Minister to take this opportunity for a major reset on the future of Sydney’s drinking water catchments.
Tag: water catchment
Dendrobium Mine Expansion Refused
Dr Peter Turner, NPA Mining Projects Science Officer
To the great relief of many, the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) has refused the proposed expansion of the Dendrobium coal mine, south west of Sydney. Approval would have continued the highly damaging mining introduced in 2013, from 2024 to 2048. The refusal constitutes a reality check for the mining company, and the Department of Planning. The Department had been the consent authority since a Commission of Inquiry approved the mine in 2001.
Celebrating Kosciuszko’s 75th anniversary
Graeme Worboys, (Honorary) Associate Professor, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University
The 75th Anniversary of the establishment of Kosciuszko State Park falls on the 19th April 2019. The Park was famously established by Premier William McKell to protect the nationally important mountain water catchments; restore soil erosion caused by burning off and over-grazing by stock and to provide opportunities for visitor use and enjoyment. Kosciuszko is one of the Australia’s greatest national parks; it is a National Heritage Property protecting priceless Australian heritage and receives more than 1 million visits a year. The Park enjoyed 74 years of bipartisan support for conservation until regressive 2018 legislation was passed to retain thousands of feral horses within the Park.
Gardens of Stone – the other Blue Mountains
Janine Kitson, Vice President, Colong Foundation for Wilderness
Spectacular rock formations, ever changing with the light, ragged outlines towering against the endless Australian sky.
Natural values of Kosciuszko National Park must not be overlooked in Snowy 2.0
The National Parks Association of NSW (NPA) has cautiously welcomed the federal government finally appearing to embrace renewable energy in the context of Snowy 2.0. But politicians still haven’t outlined how the scheme would avoid damaging the natural values of the unique alpine ecosystems and judgement must therefore be reserved.
NPA CEO, Mr Kevin Evans said: “The vulnerability of the alpine ecosystems to climate change encapsulates perfectly why we urgently need to transition to renewables.
Read More “Natural values of Kosciuszko National Park must not be overlooked in Snowy 2.0”
Will the Darling River Survive?
Terry Korn, President, Australian Floodplain Association
The health of the Darling River system is at a tipping point. Can the system survive the next round of negotiations over how it should be managed? Terry Korn, president of the Australian Floodplain Association discusses a major issue of concern which could seriously impact on recovery of water for the environment, floodplain graziers, Aboriginal culture and small communities downstream of Bourke.
The Australian government has committed almost $15 billion to the largest rural restructure program in Australia and expects to effect significant changes to water management in the Murray-Darling Basin without affecting the reliability of water supply to the irrigation industry. This is an admirable but unreal aspiration.
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