Senate debates

Tuesday, 8 May 2012

Questions on Notice

Coal Seam Gas (Question No. 1569)

Photo of Larissa WatersLarissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, upon notice, on 27 February 2012:

With reference to coal seam gas exploration in the Pilliga Forest, and given that it is the largest temperate woodland left in eastern Australia, arguably a perfect example of an 'ecosystem of national significance': In the upcoming reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999:

(a) will the Government open up the proposed new trigger of 'ecosystems of national significance' to public nominations, thereby enabling areas such as the Pilliga Forest to receive due recognition; and

(b) if not, will the Government undertake an assessment of the Pilliga Forest for potential classification as an 'ecosystem of national significance' if the reforms are implemented.

Photo of Stephen ConroyStephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | | Hansard source

The Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(a) The Government stands by its response to Recommendation 8 of the Independent Review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, that: "Ecosystems of national significance will be identified through strategic approaches, and there will be no separate public nomination process."

(b)   As stated in the Australian Government's response to Recommendation 8 of the Independent Review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999: “Ecosystems of national significance will be identified, spatially defined and assessed through one of the following strategic approaches: regional environment plans, strategic assessments, or conservation agreements with the states and territories.”

As the reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 have yet to be considered by the Parliament, it would be premature to identify particular areas for consideration as ecosystems of national significance.