"The bill introduced into parliament only a few weeks ago proposed to take the country backwards in environmental protection. It sought to strip communities of participation in environmental decisions, hand decision-making about environmental harm to the states and territories and give the environment minister sweeping power to tailor environmental regulations for certain developments, companies or industries. The government made it clear from the outset that the convenience of business, the desire for quick yesses that could harm the natural environment, was its chief priority."
"There is excited talk about abundance which is code for sweeping forests, wetlands, woodlands and local communities out of the path of business, mining and development. The minister is adamant this can be done while protecting the environment, but my 25 years of experience with environmental regulation tell me that haste brings unintended consequences. It makes communities angry. It leads to losses of our beautiful natural heritage that are mourned for generations."
Amendments to Australian environment laws prevent fast-tracking of coal and gas projects and retain commonwealth control over decisions affecting water resources. An earlier bill would have reduced environmental protections, removed community participation, shifted decision-making to states and given the environment minister broad powers to tailor regulations for specific developments, companies or industries. The government prioritized rapid approvals and business convenience, proposing fast-tracked approvals for renewable energy and mineral projects and encouraging large-scale clearing of forests, wetlands and woodlands. Experience with hurried regulation warns of unintended consequences: community anger, loss of natural heritage, and erosion of ecosystems that sustain societal abundance.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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