Hunter Environment – some gain, more pain - 18 October 2006

Windfalls for developers have overshadowed environmental gains in the NSW Government’s Lower Hunter Conservation Plan and Regional Strategy, said NSW Upper House Greens MP Ian Cohen.

“Yesterday’s declaration of 20,000 hectares of public land being converted to National Park is a positive, but this is offset by large amounts of environmentally significant land being earmarked for broad scale development,” Mr Cohen said.

“The benefits from a further 11,000 hectares of developer owned land becoming National Park are negated by the fact that the final strategy differs from the draft strategy on a number of key points, all of which favour development over the environment.

“For instance, the amount of land earmarked for development has doubled. This includes around 5000 hectares of prime bushland. Local conservationist’s concerns about some of the areas to be developed appear to have been ignored, as none were removed and ten new areas added. This particularly affects some key areas of coastal vegetation, which is a poor outcome for biodiversity conservation.

“It also allows for broadscale landclearing and development in the habitat of the endangered squirrel glider, as well as allowing development that had previously been refused consent by the local council.

“Some of the areas proposed for development also have poor access to public transport and major centres. Planning decisions nowadays must be mindful of climate change. The last thing the Government should be doing is encouraging people to get off trains and into their cars.

“The Greens do not oppose sustainable housing being built to cater for realistic population growth, but this proposal seems to be more about placating large corporations and protecting their landholdings. Small building companies are unlikely to get much of a look in.

“The environmental gains are welcome, but yet again this government appears committed to making sure environmental benefits are delivered hand in hand with large gifts for landclearing property developers.” Mr Cohen said.

Further Information: Michael Hidden 9230 3305 or 0431 320 085