NSW Government's SEPP 71 and land clearing changes positive steps for coastal protection

Friday, 20 February 2004 10:00

 A peak NSW Environment group has congratulated the NSW Government for strengthening its coastal protection and native vegetation regulations.

The Total Environment Centre said it would now be illegal for landowners on rural and rural-residential zoned land in the coastal zone to clear up to two hectares per year of native vegetation without permission as was allowed under the Native Vegetation Conservation Act.

"This will have a positive impact on the coast where large areas of rural zoned land are cleared annually with the intent of easing development and rezoning applications. This is a long overdue change," said TEC coastal campaigner Fran Kelly.

"The other significant change is to the coastal protection State Environment Planning Policy (SEPP) 71. It closes a loophole that had allowed developers of large subdivisions to avoid State assessment under the SEPP by lodging several smaller lot applications,"
"Both these changes initiated by Planning Minister Craig Knowles, will improve coastal protection from Tweed in the north to Bega in the far south." Said Ms Kelly

"Every council and shire on the coast has lost vast expanses of its natural coastline to inappropriate clearing and subdivision development. SEPP 71 was a first step to try and prevent some of the worst decisions made by some of the most developer-friendly councils," said Ms Kelly.

"These changes should make life harder now for those that councils run by a majority that would be happy to see a coastline covered in concrete. Fortunately the Government has recognised that such a view is only held by a minority of vested interests," said Ms Kelly.

"The vast majority of coastal residents and visitors have been crying out for protection of the coast's native forests, heath, wetlands, creeks, lakes and foreshores and retention of the character of existing towns and villages through sustainable urban design. They are sick of councils that vote against sustainability."

For further information contact Fran Kelly or Jeff Angel on 9299 5599/5680
 

For further information

Contact
:
Fran Kelly - Coastal Campaigner
Phone
:
61 2 9299 5599
Email
:
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WWW
:
http://www.tec.org.au/