GREENS TABLE BILL TO BAN CANAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENTS

And Ensure State’s Coastline is Protected

www.tas.greens.org.au
The Tasmanian Greens today tabled their Coastal Protection (Ban Canal Estate Development) Bill 2009 which seeks to protect the State’s wild coastline and coastal communities from such out-of-date and inappropriate projects.

Greens Environment spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP said the Bill aims to ensure inappropriate proposals, such as the disastrous and divisive Walker Corporation plan for Ralphs Bay, would not get past first base, guaranteeing no other Tasmanian community in future is placed in the position of having to defend its coastline against the threat of a Gold Coast style canal housing proposal.

“Canal estates are banned in NSW and Victoria while Western Australia is actively considering a moratorium on their approval and construction, due to the profound environmental harm and high remediation cost of these controversial developments,” Ms O’Connor said.

“Canal housing estates cause wetland habitat destruction, loss of rare flora and fauna, Coastal Acid Sulphate Soils and the release of other toxic compounds into waterways, stagnant waterways, aerial pest infestations which elevate the risk of Ross River Fever, loss of public access, regular dredging, and, as Councils interstate have found, these developments cost the proverbial bomb to maintain and remediate.”

“We have the most stunning coastal assets here in Tasmania, and they belong to all Tasmanians, so it is well past time for our coast and communities to receive the same protection.”

“The Bill tabled today is part of the Greens’ ongoing campaign for the state-based strategic planning framework to implement the State Coastal policy.

The Greens first tabled legislation to ban canal estate developments in 2004.

“The Greens’ Coastal Protection (Ban Canal Estate Development) Bill 2009 continues our support for locals fighting to protect their lifestyles and Tasmania’s environment from out-of-date inappropriate and destructive projects as we have seen put forward for some of our most precious areas, such as Ralphs Bay,” Ms O’Connor said.
Cassy O’Connor MP Greens Environment and Coastal Protection Spokesperson