Eurobodalla Shire Council has put forward a submission on controversial biodiversity legislation now under review by the state government.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Environment Minister Rob Stokes has appointed an independent panel to review the Native Vegetation Act 2003, Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and related biodiversity legislation.
In its submission, counsaid the biodiversity certification legislation was convoluted, expensive and unlikely to be widely unless it was simplified.
“Review of the biodiversity legislation in isolation will not resolve the current difficulties with the systems,” the submission stated.
Eurobodalla Council also strongly recommended annual consultation and listing processes.
The submission said the current system for encouraging land owners to generate public benefits from their land as environmental stewards was inadequate.
It suggested reintroducing a bounty system for feral species.
The submission also said self-assessed land clearing was a concern.
“On the coast the same provisions have resulted in loss, fragmentation and/or degradation of native vegetation contrary to the objectives of the Act,” the submission said.
Mayor Lindsay Brown said that during a meeting with Mr Stokes earlier this year, Eurobodalla Shire Council was encouraged to make a submission.
Cr Brown said he looked forward to the outcome.
“It’s a good idea the legislation is reviewed on a regular basis, so it keeps up to current issues,” he said.
“They are considering combining a number of Acts together to make it easier for the community to understand the government’s position.”
The panel is now considering submissions before reporting to Mr Stokes in December.