Environmental Defence Society welcomes Conservation Amendment Bill changes

Following discussions last week on the fringes of the EDS Conference, the Minister of Conservation has agreed to substantial changes to the Conservation Amendment Bill.

EDS CEO Gary Taylor says they have serious concerns with two key parts of the current Bill: the exchange and disposal provisions, and the economic opportunity clauses.

“On the former, the Minister has agreed to withdraw the proposed provisions and revert to the current law. That is a very pleasing outcome and an acknowledgment of the massive upwelling of public opposition to the prospect of selling off parts of the conservation estate.

“On the latter, which we think is a greater threat to conservation, the Minister agreed to write to the Select Committee and ask it to consider reworking the economic clauses to make it clear that any economic activity on public conservation land must always be consistent with strong and enduring conservation outcomes. We agreed to work with him and the Select Committee to propose drafting changes to those clauses.”