[Greens-Media] Decision on zoo expansion flawed

[Henderson, Clare]

23 March 2005

Decision on zoo expansion flawed

Greens MLA Dr Deb Foskey said today the decision to offer land to allow for the expansion of the zoo has been made before the NCA's broader planning study has been finalised and without public input or consideration of the environmental report. 

"The expansion of the zoo should be considered within a whole of catchment plan. This is just another example of ad hoc decision-making" Dr Foskey said today.

In January the ACT Government announced it would release additional land to allow for expansion of the National Aquarium and Zoo. Two planning processes were put in place in 2003-2004.  

"A broader strategic planning process run by the National Capital Authority, the Central National Area - Western Foreshores and Environs Planning Framework Study, commenced in January 2004. There has been scope for public consultation but the process has not yet been finalised. So it is too early to make decisions at this stage" Dr Foskey said today.

"In addition a specific Planning Investigation into the zoo expansion was undertaken on behalf of the ACT Government and the National Capital Authority. Amongst other things this report looked at environmental impacts but this was not subject to public consultation.  Nor has the report been publicly released." 

"We are glad that the ACT Government commissioned an environment study to assess the impact of exotic animals on the Molonglo River and surrounding environment, but the report should have been open to consultation and subject to public scrutiny." 

"The ACT Government shouldn't make decisions before planning processes are finalised and without allowing scope for public comment. We need to know that introducing additional exotic animals won't impact on the Molonglo River" Dr Foskey said.

___________________
Clare Henderson
Advisor to Deb Foskey 
ACT Greens MLA
Ph: (02) 6205 0841
Fax: (02) 6205 0007 
  
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
This email, and any attachments, may be confidential and also privileged.
If you are not the intended recipient:
Please notify the sender and delete all copies of this transmission along with any attachments immediately.
You should not copy or use it for any purpose, nor disclose its contents to any other person.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------