Antinuclear

Scientists appeal to Australian government not to give up its environmental powers

Scientists warn against environmental powers being handed to states, December 4, 2012, Lenore Taylor National Affairs Correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald   Federal environmental powers that saved the Franklin River and the Great Barrier Reef need not be abandoned in a quest for faster development approvals, the respected Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists says, in a last ditch appeal to the Gillard government to rethink a deal with the states.

Below – Miranda Gibson, in the observer tree, Tasmania

At the urging of the Business Council of Australia, the Prime Minister and premiers are due to sign the first stage of the controversial agreement at the Council of Australian Governments on Friday.

It will see the Commonwealth hand over environmental assessment and approval to state governments under specific ”standards” in a bid to remove ”green tape”.

The federal minister, Tony Burke, will have the power to terminate the agreement if a state isn’t sticking to the deal, but will not be able to override state decision-making on a particular project even as a last resort.

The scientists, including Peter Cosier, Tim Flannery, David Karoly and Hugh Possingham, set out a detailed alternative plan that would allow the government to do away with the duplication that was concerning BCA members without taking the drastic step of abandoning its ”last resort” power to intervene if necessary……

Environment groups are preparing a major campaign against the green tape changes over the summer, and the Greens have introduced a private member’s bill to stop it – allowing a Senate inquiry to take evidence about the possible impacts of the move…….
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/scientists-warn-against-environmental-powers-being-handed-to-states-20121203-2ar65.html#ixzz2E9PXrADb

December 4, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | AUSTRALIA - NATIONAL, environment