The further watering down of the much-maligned biobanking scheme demonstrates yet again that the State Labor Government is beholden to the development lobby at the expense of biodiversity, said Ian Cohen, NSW Greens Upper House MP.
“This scheme, which would allow developers to buy credits to offset the environmental impacts of their projects, was already flawed,” Mr Cohen said.
“The amended legislation, which is expected to be introduced into State Parliament today, does nothing to address concerns I have with the scheme.
“Developers will have the choice to use the scheme or existing threatened species legislation, so the easier option is likely to be this ill-conceived offsetting plan.
“Areas set aside to create credits in the biobanking scheme have no guarantee they will be protected in perpetuity.
“This is an attempt by the State Government to greenwash development on urban fringe areas that will have serious impacts on biodiversity and threatened species.
“Biobanking benefits developers, who have a long history of large donations to the ALP. Developers will be able to plough ahead with little public scrutiny of their activities under this scheme.
“Envrionmentally sensitive areas should be protected in their own right, not used as a way to facilitate increased development elsewhere.
“A two year trial of the program will only see the environment degraded while property developers walk away with the spoils,” Mr Cohen said.
Further Information: Claire O’Rourke (Ian Cohen) 0409 810 139 or 9230 3305
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