[Greens-Media] Stop the claw back: coastal protection, marine parks and native vegetation must stay with Koperburg’s ministry

[Ian Cohen]

Media Release						                
 13 April 2007 


Stop the claw back: coastal protection, marine parks and native
vegetation must stay with Koperburg’s ministry


Greens Upper House MP and environment spokesman Ian Cohen challenged
the Premier today, to hold the line against moves by Ministers Costa,
Macdonald and Kelly to weaken the powers of the new Environment and
Climate Change portfolio.

“This is a test for Premier Iemma to prove whether anything has
changed. Michael Costa, Ian Macdonald and Tony Kelly represent all that
was going against the environment in NSW, in the last term of
government. For the last four years they ruled the roost.” Mr Cohen
said.

“If Morris Iemma caves into these men, then it’s business as usual
and the environment will suffer”, Mr Cohen said. “These are well
known anti-environmentalists, headed by Michael Costa. If they succeed,
then the promised reforms will fall flat.

“Mr Koperberg should be given a chance to work with the new changes,
consolidate the new department and proceed with reforms not possible
under the previous portfolios. We have a new department, with a strong
senior minister untainted by factional politics. This is a good first
step for the climate and environment issues in this state.

“In addition to facilitating better policy on native vegetation and
climate change, the new portfolio should also improve the prospect of
threatened species such as the iconic Grey Nurse shark. The Grey Nurse
did not receive adequate protection under the previous fisheries
minister Ian Macdonald.” Mr Cohen said



Further Information: 	Nic Clyde: 0417 742 754
Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466