Environment the winner in departmental restructure - 5 April 2007

Greens MLC and environment spokesperson Ian Cohen has applauded the NSW government’s restructure of environmental, land use and water portfolios.

“The establishment of a new Department of Environment and Climate Change, along with the abolition of the Department of Natural Resources, is to be commended. I am optimistic that the transfer of native vegetation legislation to the environment portfolio is more likely to see advances in ending illegal land clearing and the regulation of private native forestry.” Mr Cohen said.

“I welcome the appointment of Phil Koperberg to the new environment ministry and hope to have as productive a relationship with him as I did with Bob Debus to ensure important advances in environmental protection. The inclusion of Climate Change in the portfolio is an overdue but welcome recognition that this is an overarching issue which affects all facets of the environment.

“The relocation of marine reserve management and aquatic threatened species from the Department of Primary Industries to the environment portfolio is an important step and will hopefully bring about better results in the conservation of marine habitats.

“Likewise, the transfer of environmental water management, coastal and floodplain management from the Department of Natural Resources should lift the standard of protection in those areas of environmental management.

“The departmental restructure is an excellent start, but Minister Koperberg will have a huge job ahead of him to end illegal land clearing and improve the management of water and vegetation in NSW. I look forward to working co-operatively with him to achieve real progress in these areas.” Mr Cohen said.

Further Information: Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466