The Federal Government’s decision ahead of COAG to retain national environment powers is welcome, but we need to maintain the pressure on the Government to strengthen those powers and protect our natural heritage, says Catherine Moore, Greens candidate for Eden-Monaro.

“The government has said that talks with the states will be continuing, but states have a long way to go before they can show that they are capable of making decisions that will protect the environment and biodiversity into the future.

“Despite recent alarming reports about climate change, governments are happier than ever to approve coal seam gas, coal and other mining activities. This will not only increase the devastating impacts of climate change but also increase the threat to the survival of Australia’s unique natural heritage – the landscapes and the biodiversity who inhabit those landscapes. (more…)