Environmentalists accuse Govt of not protecting bushland
TWO local State MPs are moving to also strip environmental protection from urban bushland after successfully excising E2 and E3 environmental zones in Far North Coast local environmental plans, a coalition of Northern Rivers environmental groups say.
The 10 groups represented by the Save North Coast Nature group, say Ballina MP Don Page and Lismore MP Thomas George's joint press release last week revealed E4 zones, as well as E2 and E3,
were on the chopping block under Planning Minister Brad Hazzard's 'Northern Councils EZone Review'.
Andy Baker, spokesman for Nature, said this was the first time local members had revealed their intent to also destroy environmental protection for bushland in residential areas.
"They appear bent on getting rid of environmental constraints everywhere so as to allow unfettered development irrespective of the cost," Mr Baker said.
Mr Page and Mr Thomas have been approached for comment.
