Climate Action Burwood Canada Bay is pleased to see the passing of the Environment
Protection Act through the Federal Parliament after many years of argument, controversy
and disappointment.
Its greatest achievement is to enshrine the primacy of the natural environment over
economic interests of mining, agriculture and forest logging. While it does recognise the
economic benefits of projects in these areas, there is now an equal playing field with other
human activities such as in housing, renewable energy, infrastructure development.. Most
importantly there are the same guard rails that aim to protect and enhance nature, stopping
the current pace of nature destruction.
The Legislation is silent on the relationships between nature and climate change. We will
keep emphasising the point that nature is critical for modifying climate change and
conversely it is most at risk from climate change impacts.
We recognise the efforts of Senators Murray Watt, ALP and Sarah Hanson Young, Greens
and thank them both. This is not the end game but is a good step forward.
