Media Release
Minister for
Natural Resources Andrew Cripps today refused to guarantee that the LNP’s lax
approach to enforcing tree clearing laws would not threaten the habitat of
Queensland koalas.
At today’s
estimates hearing, the Shadow Environment Minister Jackie Trad questioned Mr
Cripps about whether his weakening of vegetation laws would have a detrimental
impact on koalas.
“Not only did
the Minister refuse to guarantee protection for koala habitat, he seemed to have
a complete lack of understanding about the connection between the protection of
native vegetation and the survival of koalas,” Ms Trad said.
“Figures
released in the 2011 State of the Environment Report show that Labor’s
vegetation management laws have been effective in slowing the annual clearing
rates for remnant vegetation, which native animals, including koalas, rely upon
for survival.”
Ms Trad said
vegetation management laws, like all laws, are only effective if they’re
properly enforced and so far this LNP government has chosen to turn blind eye to
illegal tree clearing.
“First the
Minister claims the enforcement regime is too punitive and then his department
suspends investigations into illegal tree clearing,” Ms Trad said.
“Clearly,
landholders are being given the impression that they can do whatever they want
and no one will hold them to account.
“The fact is
– when you bulldoze koala habitat, there will be fewer
koalas.
“The LNP are
happy to stand on the Parliament green cuddling a koala, but will they actually
step up and prosecute those who destroy their natural
habitat?”
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