Media Releases
Tuesday, 23rd May 2006
The Environment Minister has finally launched a national coastal policy, but it falls well short of Labor’s comprehensive plan to protect our coasts which was launched in Adelaide on 5 May 2006.
It also fails to match the Minister’s own promise to develop a 30 year coastal plan.
Our environment is under enormous pressure. Coastal growth can lead to habitat loss, damage to wetlands, the introduction of pests and weeds and coastal erosion.
Climate change will have a dramatic impact on our coasts.
Howard Government complacency means Australia is unprepared for the challenges of coastal growth and climate change.
Labor will work with State and local governments to ensure high quality coastal planning. Labor will develop a National Sustainability Charter with targets for Australia’s environmental, social and economic sustainability, including coastal protection.
Labor will consider legislating for biodiversity ‘hotspots’ to ensure significant environmental impacts on coastal areas would need approval from the Federal Environment Minister.
All of these elements appear to be missing from the coastal policy announced today.
The Howard Government has no plan for Australia to avoid dangerous climate change.
Labor will ensure our children and grandchildren can enjoy the coast as much as we do today.
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
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Phone: 02 6277 7700
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Phone: (02) 9564 3588
Fax: (02) 9564 1734
Email: A.Albanese.MP@aph.gov.au
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices stand and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Authorised by Anthony Albanese. 334a Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.