Independent review of the 'water trigger' legislation
An independent review into the EPBC Act 'Water Trigger' was undertaken in 2015 to assess whether the water trigger legislation has been effective in protecting water resources from the impacts of coal seam gas (CSG) and large coal mining (LCM) developments. Our submission to this review acknowledged the water trigger legislation has established an effective framework for protection of water resources from the impacts of CSG and LCM projects but noted there are still significant gaps in research and knowledge to ensure the long-term protection and ecologically sustainable use of these valuable assets.
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The proposed changes in the draft NV Regulations support a shift from policies that avoid clearing toward policies that allow for clearing and offsetting. Overall, the changes proposed will be a significant watering down of regulations aimed at the protection of native vegetation. We challenge the assumption that there is a need to streamline the implementation of the NV Act.
The Tennyson Dunes were declared a Conservation Reserve under the Crown Lands Management Act in September 2015. The contain important areas of remnant coastal vegetation and habitat for a number of state rated and regionally rare flora and fauna species. The Concept Report outlines the proposed development of a Discovery Trail in the Reserve.