OUR ENVIRONMENT, OUR FUTURE » Policies for the 2015 NSW Election and Beyond - Updated February 2015

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OUR ENVIRONMENT, OUR FUTURE

We, the leading environmental advocacy organisations in , are united by a vision of a state in which our society lives sustainably, recognising the limits and services provided by nature and mobilising our capacity for innovation and investment in the future. We have a vision of a state where: »» Clean air and fresh water are valued more highly than the demands of powerful vested interests. »» Our leaders’ responsibility to protect the health of citizens is not compromised by fiscal calculation and bureaucratic inaction. »» Our communities live within natural limits, using precious natural resources wisely and harnessing clean, renewable energy from the sun and wind. »» Healthy forests, rivers and oceans are populated by thriving populations of native plants and animals. »» Wild nature is valued for its own sake, and for the inspiration and solace that it provides for so many, from all walks of life. »» We don’t throw resources away after a single use but recycle and reuse. This vision will not destroy the economy and jobs, as some out of touch with reality and community aspiration might claim. It can create a new economy, that is not reliant on ‘short-termism’ and backroom deals; and which produces many thousands of sustainable jobs for the future. In the broad sweep of human history, our generation is the first to be confronted with a stark choice - take urgent action to reduce carbon and other pollution; retain the benefits of the natural systems which give us clean air and water and food; and contribute to stabilising the earth’s climate - or face unprecedented changes to our way of life. The NSW Government has a critical leadership role to play in ’s diverse economy with its great capacity for innovation, investment and care for the environment. It’s time for our political leaders to chart a new course by adopting a bold, positive vision for environmental protection and nature conservation in NSW. 4 [Our Environment, Our Future ]

Conserving and restoring nature Making the switch to clean energy New South Wales is home to an extraordinary diversity Rapid improvements in technology and pricing present of wildlife, plants and living landscapes. fresh opportunities to replace polluting energy sources like coal and coal seam gas with energy from the From the arid red lands of the interior to the sweep of sun, sea and wind. By using energy more wisely and woodlands, and from the sandstone ranges to the deep harnessing the power of renewable energy NSW can blue of our oceans, this intricate web of life is fraying create opportunities for new employment and economic under increasing pressure from unsustainable land growth, foster regional development, and reduce our use, extractive industries, climate change and over- contribution to global climate change. exploitation of natural resources. It is time to make the switch to a clean energy It’s time to reverse the decline by: economy by: »» Protecting our forests and woodlands for their »» Driving investment in clean, genuinely renewable natural diversity, beauty and rich carbon stores. energy and committing to a timetable for replacing »» Investing in action to restore living landscapes and polluting coal-fired power stations. bring threatened species back from the brink. »» Committing to an ambitious program for reducing »» Securing the long-term health of our rivers carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency. and wetlands by returning more water to the »» Ceasing fossil fuel subsidies and putting an end to environment and protecting water catchments. unrestrained mining and gas expansion. »» Protecting our oceans by expanding marine sanctuaries and improving management of commercial fisheries. [Policies for the 2015 NSW Election and beyond ] 5

Building a sustainable society With effective political leadership and progressive environmental policy, our state has an opportunity to build a more open, transparent and environmentally responsible society that engages local communities in visionary decisions to protect the environment and create a sustainable way of life. We challenge all political It is time to protect the environment and live within parties and candidates to adopt its natural limits by: our call to action on the 25 »» Restoring balance, integrity and legitimacy to the policies in 'Our Environment, planning and development process. Our Future' so that the next »» Reducing pollution and waste through strong NSW government, working with targets and effective policy. the community, can make a »» Making our urban areas liveable and sustainable by difference. increasing energy and water savings, and expanding active and public transport opportunities and open green space. 6 [Our Environment, Our Future ] NATIONAL PARKS 1 AND WILDERNESS

New South Wales has a wonderful However, the rate of national park »» Full and timely implementation system of national parks and establishment has collapsed. of the NSW National Parks wilderness areas. We are a New South Wales, once a national Establishment Plan, by directing fortunate community to have such leader in nature conservation, is the National Parks and Wildlife magnificent and diverse parks, and now lagging behind the rest of the Service to develop funded people from crowded countries country. Our state has the second reserve proposals, allocating are spellbound by them. Decision lowest percentage of land protected additional resources for making must protect national parks in the National Reserve System management of the reserve and benefit nature conservation. (9%) after Queensland (7.5%). estate. The establishment Growing population pressures, plan incorporates the targets Then in April last year, the outgoing miners, loggers, graziers, for comprehensiveness and Environment Minister approved a commercial developments and representativeness endorsed trial of horse riding in wilderness, even recreational users are causing by the Commonwealth and all ignoring the Wilderness Act, 1987 states and territories under the degradation of these precious and putting the ecological integrity Natural Resources Management areas. We must stop the damage. of these areas at risk. Ministerial Council’s Directions Our system of national parks is for the National Reserve System the cornerstone of conservation in Solutions (NRMMC 205): NSW; vital living islands in a sea By 2020, at least 17% of NSW -- Comprehensiveness: of developed land. The number ecosystems, especially those of Examples of at least 80% of of plants and animals that can high conservation value, should be the number of extant regional survive in our parks will continue to conserved and managed through ecosystems in each bioregion shrink unless they are kept intact interconnected protected areas will be represented by 2015 and linked by conservation efforts and effective nature conservation across the entire landscape. -- Representativeness: measures on private land¹. Examples of at least 80% of Our great parks are not just Sound nature-focused management the number of extant regional a scientific storehouse of of national parks can make them ecosystems in each sub- biodiversity, or places of beauty bioregion will be represented accessible and can draw visitors to igniting human creativity and by 2020. appreciate pristine areas, without spiritual peace; the future of these favouring damaging activities. »» Management of wilderness to precious wild places is bound up Visitors do not come to NSW to see maintain, and where necessary with the quality of all life. parks with grazing cattle, logging restore, ecological integrity by and over-developed visitor and excluding visitor facilities and Government track record recreational horse riding. Re- commercial facilities. establish the Wilderness Unit Over the past three years, the NSW We call for: and a Wilderness Working Group Government made small additions The reservation of new parks to re-examine NSW wild rivers, to the protected area system, by »» and wilderness areas, including and establish a Western Division upgrading Dharawal and Berowra to those identified as priority wilderness reservation program. national park status, some additions reserve proposals [see Text Box to existing parks and significantly opposite]. extending the Nattai Wilderness.

¹ Aichi Biodiversity Target 11 under the International Convention on Biological Diversity (ratified by Australia, 1993) www.cbd.int/sp/targets Image credit: Brian Fox [Policies for the 2015 NSW Election and beyond ] 7

We call for the following priority reserve proposals to be implemented in the next five years:

»» The Great Central Woodlands »» Reserve the Gardens of Stone are part of a river corridor that near Bathurst. This area stage two proposal on the is culturally and aesthetically represents perhaps the greatest western escarpment of the significant to the region and concentration of remnant grassy Blue Mountains. This would used for recreational and woodlands left in the otherwise protect the most spectacular educational purposes. heavily converted and cleared pagoda landscapes in Australia. south-eastern highlands. Associated with these pagoda »» Declare the following landforms are large caves, wilderness areas: Murruin »» Completion of the linkage mazes, ancient montane wilderness in the Blue from the Dorrigo Plateau to heathlands, endangered upland Mountains; the coastal the Border Ranges to protect swamps, snowgums, grassy wilderness areas of the Moors priority forest ecosystems, and woodlands and moist gullies that (Myall Lakes), Sandon and Wooli a significant concentration of contain tree ferns, stands of old catchments (Yuraygir NP); the future habitat for threatened growth forest and rainforest, and Deua Valley in the Southern species like the koala. in some places, slot canyons. Escarpment Forests, the Pilliga in the Brigalow, Tabletop and »» Draw together the Paroo Darling »» Upgrade the protection of the Main Range in Kosciuszko reserves into a huge Heart of the the Special Areas by extending National Park, and Coolangubra Darling Basin protected area to include and Tantawangalo in the near Wilcannia. the Jellore State Forest, South East Forests. »» Create the Tinderry Forest Bargo, Nattai, Burragorang State Conservation Areas »» In northern NSW acquire Link to provide a southern link and protect Carrai, Mann in the Great Eastern Ranges, and the Upper Nepean State Conservation Area to a River, Timbarra and Cataract linking together a chain of state wilderness areas. conservation areas and nature nature reserve to protect reserves to Namadji in the ACT the water supply catchment »» Establish a reserve system and Wadbilliga National Park to from mining threats and for koalas, including the Coffs the east. reject the proposal to raise Harbour-Guy Fawkes and the the Warragamba Dam wall, Bellinger-Nambucca-Macleay »» Acquire Otford Valley Farm to to protect the Greater Blue koala meta-populations. add to the . Mountains World Heritage Area. These lands form part of an »» Continue to fund the Great important wildlife corridor »» Reserve lands to form a corridor Eastern Ranges Initiative between Royal National Park, in the Upper Lansdowne beyond the current commitments Garawarra State Conservation escarpment, , to ensure that this good work Area and the Illawarra north-east of Taree. can continue to deliver excellent Escarpment State Conservation »» Declare the Drip Gorge part of conservation and community Area and also form part of the Goulburn River National Park. outcomes for NSW. Great Eastern Ranges initiative. The Drip and Corner Gorge 8 [Our Environment, Our Future ]

FORESTS, WOODLANDS 2 AND WILDLIFE

The NSW Threatened Species the fact that there are no effective slope cable logging trial, that Scientific Committee has identified laws against animal cruelty in logging represent a substantial erosion loss and fragmentation of habitat operations. of existing environmental as a key threat to more than 360 protections, with corresponding threatened species, including 26 Government track record risks for environmental values in critically endangered species. the public native forest estate. Since coming to office in 2011, Land clearing laws have played a the Coalition Government has »» The Government has also critical role in protecting remnant announced a series of changes to proposed changes to the vegetation, reducing erosion and our essential environment laws that management of Crown Land salinity risk, improving catchment have imperiled critical environmental in NSW, with an unbalanced health and safeguarding essential protections. emphasis on the potential wildlife habitat. After decades of financial revenue in crown lands. unsustainable land clearing the These include: Historically, there has been a NSW Parliament passed the »» Commissioning a review significant failure to recognise Native Vegetation Act in 2003, of biodiversity laws that areas of high conservation value enshrining the principle of recommended replacing the and the diverse environmental, ending broad-scale land clearing and Native Vegetation Act with a new social and cultural values applying the ‘maintain or improve the biodiversity framework, which if of Crown Land, including environment’ test not done well will result in a huge opportunities for low impact to clearing proposals. increase in the amount of native recreation, education and Current logging activities in our vegetation clearing that is allowed. scientific research. native forests are fundamentally »» Overturning the long-standing »» Introducing the ‘10/50 rule’ unsustainable. Over-allocation prohibition on burning of native which allows all trees within 10 of timber resources has resulted forests for electricity with metres of a house in ‘bushfire- in timber being logged faster than the intention of maintaining prone’ areas to be cleared. While it can grow, and limited opportunities the woodchip industry and the affected area was recently for ecologically sustainable encouraging mass clearing of reduced, and other towns forest management. The recent regenerating native bush. are still losing thousands of international publicity around wombats being buried alive in »» Proposing changes to forestry trees without real bushfire safety Glenbog State Forest has highlighted approvals, including a steep benefits. [Policies for the 2015 NSW Election and beyond ] 9

“When an area of native bushland is lost, the resident wildlife does not simply move elsewhere. Land- clearing starts a devastating ecological chain reaction. Many animals die immediately from injury or trauma associated with the clearing. Others survive for a time before succumbing to starvation, predation, accidents or disease as a result of losing their home and struggling to find a new one. Following the commencement of the Native Vegetation Act 2003, approved clearing fell precipitously from about 80,000 hectares to only 911 hectares a year, on average, which represents an 88-fold reduction... some 53,000 fewer native mammals have been killed each year since the law changed.” NSW Native Vegetation Act Saves Australian Wildlife, Martin F J Taylor – WWF-Australia, Professor Christopher Dickman, University of Sydney (2014).

Solutions We call for: a transparent, science by promoting the intensification »» Improved protection for based process for identifying of logging operations and forests, woodlands and significant conservation the logging of non- wildlife by strengthening values contained within the commercial species. land clearing, forestry and Crown lands estate before it »» Firm commitment and clear threatened species laws. The implements its changes to the timeline for a transition important laws that protect our Crown Lands Act; there must from native forest logging forests, woodlands and wildlife be an immediate moratorium into sustainable plantations, are under attack. In order to on clearing and logging in supported by a structural maintain and enhance existing areas of Bell Minor dieback and adjustment package for protections: self-assessable areas recognised as at risk of industries and communities codes for the clearing of Bell Minor dieback; there must dependent upon native native vegetation should be an immediate moratorium forest logging. In NSW, an be removed and the Native on clearing and logging of overwhelming majority of logged Vegetation Act, Threatened recognised koala habitat, native forest ends up as low- Species Conservation Act and including in areas impacted by value woodchips, with small National Parks and Wildlife the Pacific Highway upgrade. amounts of value adding and Act retained or improved; the »» Restoration of the prohibition high levels of controversy. Native Coastal Integrated Forestry of burning native forests for forests provide far greater value Operations Agreements electricity. The recent lifting for their ecosystem services and should be remade to improve of this prohibition creates long-term carbon storage. environmental outcomes; the significant risks for forests, Government should undertake woodlands and native wildlife, 10 [Our Environment, Our Future ]

MARINE 3 CONSERVATION The NSW marine environment Government track record Solutions is home to a rich diversity of life including majestic sea turtles, In its first three years of government We call for: powerful whales, colourful reef the NSW Coalition has significantly »» Returning marine sanctuaries to fish, diverse kelp forests and reduced vital protection for our areas protected from extractive abundant rocky reefs. A unique marine environment: activities like fishing. Marine mixing of coastal currents off our »» Revoked changes to the Solitary sanctuaries are vital safe havens for coast means that about 80% of Islands and Jervis Bay Marine marine life and allow us to explore our marine plants and animals are Parks leading to significantly our coastal environment and wildlife found only in Australia. less marine protection. in its most natural state. »» Improving the network of marine Multiple use marine parks »» Reduced protection for the critically endangered Grey parks by ending trawling in all with no-take sanctuaries are marine parks and establishing a Nurse Shark. a scientifically proven way to Sydney Marine Park with a network protect our marine life. Our »» Removed protection for no-take of no-take marine sanctuaries. existing marine parks are already marine sanctuaries by allowing The Sydney region has long been delivering great results for recreational fishing from the recognised as lacking protection. This our environment and regional shore in sanctuaries for nearly can be fixed by establishing a marine communities alike. Yet these two years, with ten sanctuaries park for the greater Sydney region. achievements are under threat. still remaining unprotected. »» Prohibiting targeted shark fishing, Overfishing, pollution, climate »» Declared a five-year removing shark nets from NSW change, introduced marine moratorium on the beaches, and establishing marine pests, emerging diseases, and establishment of marine parks. sanctuary zones in a 1,500 metre inappropriate developments are »» Ceased the publication of radius surrounding critical habitat endangering our marine life. annual Status of Fishery and aggregation areas for the Grey Nurse Shark. Sharks and rays are In NSW we have a strong Resources reports which slow to reproduce and have few connection to the ocean. The provide vital information on the young which makes them particularly majority of our population enjoys stock status of commercially vulnerable to the impacts of fishing. a coastal lifestyle, and the marine harvested marine life. Sharks play a key role in marine environment is the foundation of »» Closed the Cronulla Fisheries ecosystems as apex predators and many regional economies. Research Centre resulting changes in their population numbers There is strong support for marine in the loss of significant impact broader marine ecosystems. conservation. In January 2014, scientific knowledge and The Grey Nurse Shark is a critically Galaxy Research found that the expertise in fisheries and endangered species. overwhelming majority (93%) of coastal management. »» Establishing a framework and NSW residents support no-take »» Disbanded the Marine Parks timeline to implement ecosystem- marine sanctuaries. Authority, and transferred based and precautionary fisheries significant ministerial oversight management, and conduct annual from the Minister for the Status of Fishery Resource reports. Environment to the Minister Irresponsible fishing is impacting for Primary Industries. many species of fish and marine life in NSW. Monitoring and enforcement New South Wales now faces are essential requirements for the prospect of being one of the healthy and sustainable fisheries only places in the world moving however a comprehensive backwards on the protection of our assessment of NSW fish stocks has marine environment. not been completed since 2008-09. [Policies for the 2015 NSW Election and beyond ] 11

Image credit: Attila E Kaszo Marine sanctuaries are delivering great results for NSW. Despite being only seven years old, science shows that within no-take marine sanctuaries of the Batemans Marine Park there are 38% more fish compared to fished areas.i In January 2014, 220 marine scientists signed a statement calling on the government to remove fishing from marine sanctuaries. There is strong support for marine conservation: 93% of NSW residents support no-take marine sanctuaries to protect our marine environment, with 70% opposed to fishing in these essential areas. The Jervis Bay Marine Park has brought over $2.4 million to the local economy in increased marine tourism revenue.ii

i Kelaher, B. P., Coleman, M. A., Broad, A., Rees, M. J., Jordan, A. & Davis, A. R. (2014). Changes in fish assemblages following the establishment of a network of no take marine reserves and partially protected areas. PLoS One, 9 (1), e85825-1-e85825-13 ii www.mpa.nsw.gov.au/review/JBMPSocialcultecon08179.pdf

Image credit: John Turnbull 12 [Our Environment, Our Future ]

RIVERS AND 4 WETLANDS Healthy rivers and wetland systems Government track record permanent Water Wise Rules and an are core to sustainable communities emphasis on demand management and landscapes. In the past three years the NSW and more efficient use of existing Government has undermined Efficient use of good quality fresh supplies are a positive step, however the success of the water reform water while maintaining sufficient more emphasis could be placed on process by approving water water for environmental functions of recycling and stormwater harvesting. sharing plans developed under the rivers and wetlands is key to healthy former government that do not Current pricing structures for urban communities and industry. provide adequate protection for water place a high reliance on fixed The river and wetland systems environmental water, by creating charges. These reduce the ability of NSW have suffered long term new access to water and by holding of customers to control their bills degradation through the over up the implementation of the and diminish the water conservation allocation of water resources; Murray-Darling Basin Plan. signal sent by per kilolitre profligate waste of an essential (volumetric) usage charges. resource and pollution. New South These actions include: Current operating rules for Sydney’s Wales is the largest user of water in »» The gazettal of the Barwon- desalination plant provide for the the Murray-Darling Basin and many Darling water sharing plan that plant to be switched on when supply coastal river and aquifer systems are increased pumping access for the levels fall to 70% and switched off if stressed from overuse. irrigation industry. levels reach 80%. With desalination The cost of poor water quality with »» Approval of the Macquarie River representing an expensive, energy increased salinity and chemical Pipeline to the city of Orange in intensive and environmentally pollution is a major economic impost central western NSW. damaging supply source it would be on communities. »» Demanding that the Federal preferable to operate the plant only Wetlands provide a range of Government cap the purchase of in severe drought situations i.e. plant ecosystem services that have been environmental water at 1,500 GL activated if supply levels fall to 30% undervalued. Both coastal and inland in the Murray-Darling Basin. and deactivated once they reach 40%. wetland systems have suffered »» Increasing the amount of water Recent changes by the government a significant decline in health that can be extracted by mining to the Water Industry Competition and extent due to unsustainable and gas projects from inland Act (WICA) will allow private sector development and water extraction groundwater systems. activities. operators to access water from »» Exempting the mining public utilities such as Sydney While the water reform process industry from rules that Water. This paves the way for initiated through a Council Of protect the environment privatisation and renewed pressure Australian Governments agreement and other water users. on environmental regulation; and in 1994 has gone some way to »» The proposal to develop a new eliminates a key driver for new address these issues, the NSW recycled water sources. Government is in the process of water access right by issuing reversing these achievements. floodplain harvesting licenses The scene appears to be set that can be traded. for unsustainable urban water The announcement of the Needles management and proposals to Gap Dam on the Belubula River The Lower Hunter Water Plan is a backward step, with major rejected construction of a new construct more dams across the implications for river degradation Dam on the Williams River and state will have a detrimental impact in the Lachlan catchment and the construction of a permanent on river health, wetlands and other Murray-Darling Basin. desalination plant. Introduction of downstream water users.

² www2.mdbc.gov.au/about/tour_the_basin/riverine.html ³ www2.mdbc.gov.au/nrm/water_issues/water_quality/?MySourceSession=a946a783e36a73e4e3bafd5696f09f84&maintain_session=1 4 www2.mdbc.gov.au/salinity/land_and_water_salinity.html [Policies for the 2015 NSW Election and beyond ] 13

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment gave wetlands a global value of US$15 trillion in 1997. The natural resources of the Murray- Darling Basin provide a basis for many recreational activities. In total, tourism in the Basin is worth over $3.4 billion². The 1991-92 blue-green algae outbreak along the Darling River brought major costs³. In NSW alone, there was an estimated $2.4 million loss of revenue to the tourist industry. Up to $2 million was spent on alternative water supplies. Salinity in the Basin – costs up to $270 million each year4. Overall, the estimated annual costs are substantial: $130 million in agricultural costs, $100 million in infrastructure costs, and $40 million in environmental costs. These include impacts on productivity, land values, aesthetics, remediation, damage and loss of wetlands and habitat for wetland species. Source: Murray Darling Basin Commission

Solutions We call for: physical and policy constraints coastal groundwater systems, »» Water management policy to efficiently and effectively and the full impacts of these that includes the improvement deliver environmental water activities are not known. Healthy of river and wetland health. at the appropriate time. Water rivers and wetland systems are Water sharing plans gazetted recycling and reuse programs core to sustainable communities in 2004 are now up for a ten- need to be encouraged and landscapes and our year review. This review must through government policy and important groundwater systems include a comprehensive programs, including integrated must be protected. assessment of the health of the water cycle management. Any »» Reforms to water regulations. river and groundwater systems proposals to divert coastal Reform operating rules for and associated wetlands. This rivers inland should be the Sydney desalination plant can be achieved through the prohibited as unsustainable and to ensure that the plant is only reinstatement of the State Water severely damaging to the health operated in emergency drought Management Outcomes Plan of our coastal waters. situations and price structures and the Integrated Monitoring »» Prohibition on coal seam gas for residential water users. of Environmental Flows exploration and extraction that Ensure that private utilities program. The development of threatens inland and coastal licensed under the WICA are Water Resource Plans under groundwater systems. Coal required to obtain their supplies the Murray-Darling Basin Plan seam gas exploration across from sources other than public provides an opportunity to solve NSW threatens inland and utilities. 14 [Our Environment, Our Future ]

CLIMATE 5 AND ENERGY The evidence is clear: by burning In NSW, 90% of our electricity Government track record fossil fuels and destroying forests, is produced by polluting coal we have disrupted the balance of fired power stations, but rapid New South Wales was once an the earth’s atmosphere, leading to improvements in technology present international leader on climate changes in the world’s climate. The fresh opportunities to replace change policy, introducing the predicted impacts of these changes polluting energy sources like coal first mandatory carbon emissions on people and nature are serious with energy from the sun and wind. trading scheme in the world in 2003. and far reaching. Increasing power prices, combined The current government claims Urgent action is required to reduce with the falling cost of solar cells, to accept the science of climate global carbon emissions. In the has sustained rapid growth in rooftop change, but has failed to take absence of a strong international solar power: more than one million meaningful action to reduce response to climate change, households across the country have carbon emissions since it was countries around the world face made the switch to solar, generating elected in 2011. devastating environmental, social more than 3,000 MW of energy. and economic impacts. Over the past three years, the NSW Funded by the current government, Government has: In Australia, achieving deep cuts construction will soon begin on »» Comprehensively failed to deliver in domestic emissions will require two large solar farms near Nyngan a credible strategy for reducing a range of strategies, including and Broken Hill.These solar farms protecting carbon-rich native will be the largest in Australia, carbon emissions in our state. forests, controlling land clearing, powering 50,000 homes and creating »» Undermined investment improving industrial efficiency employment for more than 400 certainty for the renewable and most importantly, making a people in construction energy sector by introducing transition away from fossil fuels. and manufacturing. restrictive planning guidelines for wind farms. Burning of fossil fuels is the single Over the past few years, emissions largest contributor to global climate from the electricity sector have »» Publicly opposed the carbon change. National and international declined, due to reduced demand price. scientific institutions have warned and increased renewable energy We welcomed closure of Munmorah that proven fossil fuel reserves generation. The tide is turning, but power station, termination of the contain many times more carbon strong public policy is needed to Cobbora coal supply contracts and dioxide than we can afford to burn. accelerate the transition to a clean funding for solar farms at Nyngan energy economy. and Broken Hill, but much more remains to be done. We also welcomed the Government’s commitment to energy efficiency measures, improvements to the energy efficiency savings scheme, and support of the Federal renewable energy target. [Policies for the 2015 NSW Election and beyond ] 15

Solutions By using energy more wisely and recent cuts in federal energy environment, will help to unlock harnessing the power of renewable efficiency funding, it is time large scale investment in energy, our state can create for the State Government to renewables, creating economic opportunities for new employment, step up to the challenge, by activity and employment in foster regional development, and scaling up investment in proven regional areas. reduce our contribution to global energy efficiency programs and »» Protect carbon rich ecosystems climate change. mandating energy efficiency by strengthening land clearing programs for industry and the We urge the parties contesting the laws and ending native forest electricity transmission sector. 2015 election to: logging. Land clearing laws »» Reduce pollution and deliver have played a critical role in »» Make our economy more employment in regional stabilising carbon emissions competitive and less areas by providing funding in NSW over the past decade, polluting by implementing and a stable investment offsetting increased emissions proven measures to improve environment for renewable from transport and electricity commercial and industrial energy. There is more than generation. Protecting native energy efficiency. Investment $20 billion in renewable energy forests and woodlands is a rapid, in energy efficiency increases proposals in the pipeline for cost effective way to reduce productivity and reduces energy NSW. Government investment carbon emissions, conserve infrastructure costs by keeping in renewables, combined with water catchments and safeguard demand down. Following a stable and supportive policy precious wildlife habitat. 16 [Our Environment, Our Future ]

COAL 6 AND GAS In NSW coal and gas mining be damaged by longwall mining. Government track record threaten - and destroy - the things Coal dust pollution from open cut we can’t live without: our clean mines and coal wagons near our Current and former governments have water, best farmland, wild places towns is linked to heart and lung indulged in suspect decision making. and our health. disease, and even early death. Three former NSW mining ministers, Special natural places like Eddie Obeid, Ian Macdonald and Chris Coal and coal seam gas Leard State Forest and Great Hartcher have been investigated by development continues to expand Dripping Gorge are threatened by the Independent Commission Against across NSW. Years of short-sighted expanding coal mines. Corruption (ICAC). So far two have bad planning has resulted in been found to have acted corruptly. exploration licences and mining The laws that are supposed to leases granted over tens of millions protect the environment and Under pressure from the mining of hectares of our state. Public communities are failing us, time industry the NSW Government changed lands are at particular risk: mining and again. Rural communities are the mining State Environmental and gas titles cover more than half facing large open cut coal mines Planning Policy (SEPP) to weaken of our state forests and nearly two a few hundred metres from their already inadequate protections when thirds of our state conservation homes and rural residents face the Rio Tinto lost its case in the Land and areas. prospect of invasive gas fields in Environment Court against the town their villages and farms. of Bulga to expand its inappropriate Coal and coal seam gas expansion Warkworth open cut coal mine. present an unacceptable risk to our There is overwhelming public Former Minister Hartcher’s changes land, water and communities. Vital support for reform: recent polling to the SEPP require making the groundwater, the lifeblood of rural by Lonergan Research found that economic significance of the resource NSW, is being lost to coal mining most respondents (73%) want coal the consent authority’s principal and threatened with contamination and gas development banned in consideration, putting industry by gas extraction. Drinking water our water catchments and 66% interests ahead of local communities catchments in Sydney, the Illawarra want to see it banned on productive and the environment, fundamentally and the Central Coast continue to agricultural land. biasing the decision making system. When in opposition, former Premier O’Farrell promised he would not allow mining in water catchments. However he broke that promise in 2013 when the government allowed for the expansion of BHP Biliton’s Dendrobium mine in Sydney’s drinking water catchment special area. Further inroads are threatened. The recent announcements by Energy and Resources Minister Roberts to buy back coal seam gas exploration licences and suspension of further exploration near Gloucester are welcomed first steps but much more needs to be done to deliver lasting protection for our land, water and local communities. [Policies for the 2015 NSW Election and beyond ] 17

Solutions We call for: Recent polling by Lonergan »» Enforcing coal and gas no-go zones Research found that most to protect our productive farmland, respondents (73%) want coal special wild places, water resources, and gas development banned and communities - in law. in our water catchments and »» Implement ICAC’s 66% want to see it banned on recommendations for tighter productive agricultural land. controls on mining to improve accountability of government ministers and MPs, and reduce the likelihood of corruption; and enshrine the rights of local communities and landholders, especially the right to say no. »» Impose clear limits on pollution that take into account cumulative impacts; and entrench an independent, objective and transparent assessment system that does not fast-track projects. 18 [Our Environment, Our Future ]

PLANNING AND 7 DEVELOPMENT Environment protection, Government track record Solutions conservation, natural resource management and social wellbeing Both the ALP and Coalition We call for: are fundamental to planning Governments have been responsible »» A clear commitment to and ecologically sustainable for major changes to the NSW ecologically sustainable development. planning system that have development. Ecologically advantaged developers over the sustainable development is a key A planning system that seeks to community and the environment. tenet of Australian environment maintain the natural environment and planning law as set out and increase its resilience to The former Part 3A of the in the National Conservation development pressures is critical Environment Planning and Strategy for Australia and the to resolving both known and Assessment Act 1979, was criticised Intergovernmental Agreement future environmental challenges, for increasing power and discretion on the Environment (1992). including: loss and fragmentation with the Minister for Planning, of native vegetation and wildlife overriding important environmental »» A planning framework habitat; degradation of rivers, approvals and restricting of third that maintains the natural wetlands and water catchments; party merit appeal rights, with environment and supports urban sprawl, traffic congestion, respect to the assessment and community well-being through urban air pollution; protection of approval of major projects. The long term strategic and regional parks and bushland and tackling O’Farrell government repealed planning, robust environment climate change. Part 3A, and reintroduced State protection and genuine Significant Development, but in community participation. The community credibility of doing so failed to address these [see Text Box opposite] planning and development key community concerns. »» Clear mechanisms for increased decisions is absolutely essential It also undermined environmental transparency and accountability to the political sustainability of the protection provisions in in environment and planning system, yet changes to the NSW Local Environment Plans and put decisions. Recent ICAC findings planning system over the past developer rights above the and investigations have decade have led to a significant public interest with respect to highlighted the need for reform weakening of environmental spot rezonings. to address corruption risks in protections and community the NSW planning system. Third alienation from the processes The major review of the planning party involvement in environment and outcomes of planning and system by the current government and planning decisions must development decisions in NSW. has failed to meet one of its key objectives - to address the risks be retained and supported, There is more to a planning system and perceptions of corruption including restoring funding to the than processing timeframes, and and restore focus on community Environmental Defenders Office development approval rates, and engagement, accountability and the NSW and to legal aid, to provide poor quality planning decisions public interest. After amendments assistance to third parties are not in the public interest and to the new proposed law in the bringing legal proceedings in do not achieve a triple bottom Upper House, the government has the public interest. line. Sustainability goals including stalled reform. It now has a chance clean air and water; reduced car to go in the right direction. dependency; energy and water efficiency; and protection of biodiversity are fundamentals for our quality of life. [Policies for the 2015 NSW Election and beyond ] 19

Key Planning Principles The following key principles are integral for a NSW planning system that protects and enhances the natural environment and supports community well-being: 1. A legislative commitment 5. Mechanisms for ensuring the 8. Mechanisms for managing to Ecological Sustainable integrity of environmental climate change by building Development. impact assessment including: in mitigation and adaption requirements throughout the 2. Legislative mechanisms for -- independent appointment of system. achieving environmental environmental consultants, outcomes. 9. The concurrence and approval -- robust offences for providing 3. Mandatory requirements of key agencies must be false and misleading for genuine and meaningful paramount. The planning information (recklessly or public participation in decision system must not override intentionally) and for deceptive making throughout the system, important environment conduct, and including for both strategic approvals and licence planning and development -- comprehensive assessment requirements. assessment. and scrutiny that reflects the 10. Mechanisms for ensuring 4. A framework for effective scale of impacts. accountability, including strategic planning across 6. Code assessment must only third party appeal rights and state, regional and local be available for genuinely low open standing for breaches levels that includes: strategic impact development. of the legislation, and better environmental assessment, 7. Prescribed objective decision enforcement by way of robust assessment of cumulative making criteria including tools, penalties, resources impacts, and integration of key mandated environmental and monitoring. natural resource management impacts that must be considered and environmental policies. during development assessment. 20 [Our Environment, Our Future ]

WASTE AND 8 POLLUTION Effective waste management and major progress in particular for Government track record clean air are essential parts of drink containers. This is apparent urban and economic sustainability, with drink containers becoming the New South Wales has had the and are issues that resonate with most collected item on Clean Up Action for Air Strategy for over a the community. Recycling not Australia Day, despite representing decade. Some measures have been only saves increasingly scarce the most easily recyclable stream implemented but they have not resources but also the energy costs of the litter mountain. addressed the main contributor – in creating material from virgin motor vehicles - to any significant There is strong public endorsement resources and creates far more jobs extent. This is largely due to the fact of container deposits with over than landfilling; while air pollution that vehicle emission standards are 84% support (12% against) in NSW causes significant health costs and set nationally. (Newspoll, November 2013). family disruption. There is the additional issue of the Millions of people, particularly in While recycling has made development of car-based suburbs western Sydney are exposed to significant advances there is still and needing to catch up with better unhealthy air especially particles much to do as millions of tonnes of public transport in existing areas. and ozone, which are largely derived recoverable resources are still sent The NSW Government is certainly from motor vehicles. The NSW to landfill. Unless the recycling rate making efforts in this regard with State of the Environment Report improves, the amount of landfill will improved public transport programs states: “Air pollution can cause a increase as the population grows. but the rate of growth of Sydney and wide range of health symptoms, Recycling remains one of the most the legacy of inaction in key regions from coughing, wheezing and popular home environmental means that policy should also act shortness of breath, to more serious activities, however particular waste strongly on motor vehicle emissions. impacts for those with pre-existing types such as food and kitchen Additionally, the government’s respiratory and cardiac conditions, waste, recycling by the commercial promotion and funding of major city such as asthma attacks, hospital sector, and product stewardship for road projects such as WestConnex is admission and premature death. It problem wastes such as batteries short-sighted. has been estimated that air pollution and tyres, are still challenging. from motor vehicles alone accounts We recognise the positive waste Litter is an ongoing public concern for more than 500 early deaths in management initiatives introduced with the ‘bin and education’ the Sydney Region per annum and by Minister Parker, including the strategy unable to make further new state waste strategy and over 1,000 hospital admissions.”5 funding, and proposed rules to prevent illegal and environmentally damaging management of used tyres. The recent proposed changes to the Waste Regulation are also welcome and should, over time, address the problems of waste stockpiles (masquerading as imminent recycled material), waste tracking and transport outside of NSW. [Policies for the 2015 NSW Election and beyond ] 21

Solutions A deposit system will quickly lift We call for: recycling to above 80%; create »» Legislation for a state based the viable business case for container deposit scheme in 2015 recycling depots in rural and and scheme started by the middle regional areas; and improve of 2017. With a national scheme the recycling capacity of the unlikely to eventuate, the two most commercial sector. populous states with the greatest amount of wasted and littered drink containers can effectively introduce the system. Importantly a deposit system will quickly lift recycling to above 80%; create the viable business case for recycling depots in rural and regional areas; and improve the recycling capacity of the commercial sector. »» Continued regulatory and compliance action against rogue operators in the used tyre and construction and demolition waste areas which require strong action to eliminate illegal operators. We also oppose voluntary product stewardship schemes as they fail to capture key parts of the market (free riders) and adopt weak targets. The government should support co-regulatory or regulatory schemes (at state level if necessary) rather than wait for voluntary programs to (inevitably) fail to make substantial gains. »» Our state leaders should demand the federal government enact regulations for the introduction of the highest emission standards for passenger and commercial motor vehicles. As all vehicles will soon be imported, this should not cause any domestic manufacturing cost issues to arise.

5 www.epa.nsw.gov.au/soe/soe2006/chapter3/chp_3.3.htm 22 [Our Environment, Our Future ]

Founded in 1955, the Nature Conservation Council of NSW is the peak environment organisation for NSW, representing more than 100 community environment groups across the state. www.nature.org.au

The National Parks Association of NSW is a not-for-profit conservation charity formed in 1957, seeking to protect, connect and restore the integrity and diversity of natural systems in NSW. NPA includes a network of 18 branches www.npansw.org.au and more than 20,000 supporters.

The Total Environment Centre was established in 1972 as an action and information centre. It has run more than 100 successful campaigns, protecting the environment and improving urban sustainability. It alerts society about environmental problems, provides solutions and works with the community, www.tec.org.au business and government on an independent basis.

Established in 1976, The Wilderness Society is a national, community- based, not-for-profit environmental advocacy organisation whose purpose is to protect, promote and restore wilderness and natural processes across www.wilderness.org.au Australia for the survival and ongoing evolution of life on Earth.

Formed in 1961, the Blue Mountains Conservation Society is a voluntary organisation with approximately 900 members. Its mission is to help conserve the natural environment of the Greater Blue Mountains. The Society runs www.bluemountains.org.au conservation programs, a nursery, a bushcare group and bushwalking programs.

Image credit: John Turnbull [Policies for the 2015 NSW Election and beyond ] 23

The Colong Foundation works to ensure all wilderness and large natural areas in Australia are protected, well managed and held in high public regard. The Foundation’s campaigns have secured more than a million hectares of www.colongwilderness.org.au national parks, most of which is wilderness.

Formed in 1976, the North Coast Environment Council is the peak umbrella environment group in northern NSW for over 40 member groups, campaigning to protect natural areas, for social justice and ecological sustainability. ncec.wordpress.com

Central West Environment Council is an umbrella organisation for environment groups, field naturalist societies and individuals with an interest in conserving the natural environment in central west NSW. www.cwecouncil.com

South East Region Conservation Alliance is an umbrella organisation for conservation, environment and for citizens' groups who want to conserve and protect the natural environment of south-east NSW, Australia.

www.serca.org.au

Authorised and printed by Kate Smolski, CEO, Nature Conservation Council Level 2, 5 Wilson Street Newtown NSW 2042