Antinuclear

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman wants his State to have open slather on environmental assessments

Premier Campbell Newman says Julia Gillard’s move to remove duplication on environmental approvals with the states falls short Courier Mail, by: Steven Scott From: The Courier-Mail April 13, 2012 CAMPBELL Newman has demanded the Federal Government hand over complete control of environmental assessments to the state in a move designedto cut business costs.

But Julia Gillard has vowed to retain the final say over high-risk and World Heritage area developments, warning Mr Newman’s plan could allow Queensland to build a nuclear reactor without any input from the rest of the country……

Liberal premiers including Mr Newman say they want the carbon tax on the table as part of the talks, which will continue at the Council of Australian Governments summit in Canberra today.

But Mr Newman has gone further than other Premiers and called for complete control over environmental assessments in the Sunshine State….. Ms Gillard said her plan to streamline environmental rules with states
would mean developers “don’t go through double assessments”. But she said the Federal Government still had to oversee developments in World Heritage areas in Commonwealth waters and nuclear power.

Ms Gillard said Mr Newman’s proposal would stop the Federal Government having a say if there was a plan for another nuclear reactor like the Lucas Heights plant in Sydney…..
the Greens said the plan to streamline assessments could cut environmental protection….
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/deal-will-cut-green-tape/story-e6freoof-1226325279269

April 13, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | politics, Queensland