Australian Koala Foundation CEO, Deborah Tabart OAM has written to Tony Burke; Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, seeking clarity on the powers of the EPBC Act in relation to the protection of the Koala and its habitat in NSW, QLD and the ACT.
With environmental laws being scrapped or re-evaluated, Deborah Tabart OAM – the Koala Woman – is full of determination to save the Koala and keep it protected under the EPBC Act or better still write a new piece of legislation that will work.
“I was much relieved to hear that the Koala is completely safe under the EPBC Act from one of Minister Burke’s staff, but given all the changes and gossip, I would like Mr. Burke to confirm that he will not hand over powers to the States. I have asked him to confirm that prior to Save the Koala Day on Friday 28th September” Ms. Tabart said.
“It was encouraging to see Minister Burke so concerned for the Koala on a recent TV current affairs programme but I have asked him to further articulate where and how he thinks the Koala’s habitat will be protected in the future under the EPBC Act.
“I have also requested for his assurance that under bi-lateral agreements, the States will not be able to act on behalf of the Federal Government, in regards to clearing the Koala’s habitat” she said
Tabart, in her letter has also specifically drawn Minister Burke to 25 years of research, which has created a definitive list of what the Australian Koala Foundation believes to be the trees necessary for the Koala’s future.
All environmental laws are being re-evaluated, NSW’s SEPP 44 is under review and many of the planning team in Queensland have been sacked. This presents a bleak picture for the Koala.
The Australian Koala Foundation is the principal non-profit, non-government organisation dedicated to the conservation and effective management of the wild Koala and its habitat.
To find out other ways to help the Australian Koala Foundation save our Koalas, visit our website at www.savethekoala.com.
ENDS
Deborah Tabart OAM
CEO Australian Koala Foundation
Ph: 0407 750 668
Email: dtabart@savethekoala.com
Twitter: @deborahtabart