A proposal by the federal government to remove the opportunity for judicial review of environmental approvals has ‘dismayed’ the National Parks Australia Council (NPAC), the peak body representing National Parks Associations.
In a letter to prime minister Anthony Albanese, NPAC president Bruce McGregor said NPAC understood that proposed amendments to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act were triggered by ongoing concerns about the environmental impacts of salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour in Tasmania, which may result in the extinction of the Maugean Skate.
‘Most concerning, the proposed amendments totally disregard advice from your government’s scientific committee and key environment organisations,’ Mr McGregor said.
‘NPAC has watched with dismay the inability or unwillingness of your government to implement well-documented, promised and urgent reforms to the EPBC Act.’