The Tasmanian Greens today called on the Premier, Lara Giddings, to outline a path forward for the protection and effective management of Tasmania’s coastline, after the Tasmanian Planning Commission’s (TPC) rejection of the Draft State Coastal Policy 2008.
Greens Environment spokesperson, Cassy O’Connor MP, said the Tasmanian Planning Commission found the draft policy to be so deficient that the whole document would need to be rewritten.
“The TPC found that the deficiencies in the Draft Policy were such that it would not be able to be satisfactorily altered without major modification, and that it contained no reference or commitment to the precautionary principle,” Ms O’Connor said.
“This is an unfortunate example of a ‘we told you so’ scenario, after numerous submissions from organisations such as the Environmental Defender’s Officer, Environment Tasmania, SRB Inc, not to mention the Greens pointed out that the Draft Policy is seriously deficient and pro-development.”
“In an era of climate change and coastal vulnerability, other states take the issue very seriously, like Victoria and Queensland implementing strong enforceable coastal management frameworks.”
“Yet in Tasmania we are still operating under the State Coastal Policy 1996, which is widely regarded as ineffective and unenforceable.”
“As an island state, Tasmania’s coastline is of vital ecological, social and economic value. It should be protected.”
“The Premier acknowledged that Tasmania’s coastline is one of our major assets. It also faces significant threats from sea level rise, inappropriate development, marine pollution and marine pests.”
“The Greens have been pushing for a strong coastal policy over the past decade, and we are prepared to work co-operatively in Government and Parliament to protect the unique and stunning Tasmanian coastline,” Ms O’Connor said.
• MEDIA RELEASE – 20/05/2011
STATE COASTAL POLICY NOW A MATTER OF PRIORITY
Community and coastal conservation groups today congratulated the Government on accepting the Tasmanian Planning Commission’s (TPC) advice to reject the Draft State Coastal Policy (DSCP)
and identify options to move forward as a matter of priority.
Save Ralphs Bay Inc, Environment Tasmania, and the Environmental Defenders Office welcome the TPC findings that the DSCP was irreconcilable due to, among other issues, a lack of strategic
direction, integration across all relevant management and planning regimes, consideration of climate change impacts, clear guidance for councils and developers, and the exclusion of the Precautionary Principle.
“We applaud the Tasmanian Planning Commission’s recommendation to develop a more comprehensive policy with legislative backing, and feel that this is a reflection of the community’s concerns and determination to support a strong coastal policy and planning for Tasmania.” said Dr. Thomas Moore, Environment Tasmania’s Coasts Coordinator,
“Premier Giddings immediate direction to the Minister for Planning calling for a fresh way forward in what has become a seven year review of the currently active but ineffective and unenforceable 1996 State Coastal Policy (SCP) is encouraging but clearly requires new resources. The next State Budget must reflect this urgent priority.” he continued,
“It is fundamental that Premier Giddings maintains a commitment to renewing the SCP and it’s urgent that she delivers within the current term of Government.” he concluded.
The TPC final report also highlighted the breadth and strength of support for a statewide ban on canal estate development, including a submission from the Hobart City Council. The Canal Estates (Prohibition) Bill 2011 is currently before Parliament and due to be debated in the coming weeks.
