[Greens-Media] FW: Old Canberra House needs protection

[Kerrie Tucker - media]

=========
MEDIA RELEASE Kerrie Tucker ACT Greens for the Senate
==========

Thurs 27 Sept 07


Old Canberra House needs protection
 
Kerrie Tucker, Greens Senate candidate for the ACT, today called on Minister
Turnbull to ensure the proposed ANU development next to Old Canberra House
is subject to proper consultation and consideration through the Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. (EPBC Act)
 
"The construction of this three story building for the Crawford School will
obviously impact on this valuable heritage property and the broader Acton
Conservation Area. The Federal Government has a responsibility to declare
the proposal a controlled action under the Act, so that proper consideration
can be given to the proposal" Ms Tucker said today.
 
"The  ecological, heritage and cultural values are high, and could be
seriously compromised by this development."

"The current proposal does not adequately recognise the interconnected
nature not cultural value of the landscape setting, nor do they adequately
protect the remnant ecosystems or the birds found there, some of which are
listed under threatened species legislation."

"The heritage value of the built form is also at risk from the proposed
relocations and refurbishments."
 
"NCA Guidelines are inadequate and do not have the legal status of a
Conservation Management Plan."

"The Minister needs to ensure that through the EPBC Act the environmental
aspects of this development are assessed separately. This then allows an
informed review of the adequacy of the NCA guidelines."
 
"The Minister now has an opportunity to show leadership in this matter by
declaring this action a controlled action under the EPBC Act. This will
provide  greater transparency and accountability than would occur under NCA
Guidelines and it would also ensure the people of Canberra  have a better
opportunity to participate in the decision making process" Ms Tucker said.
  

Media contact Roland Manderson 041 224 1379

===========
ACT Greens 8-10 Hobart Place Canberra City ACT 2601
ph: 6247 6305 fax: 6247 6455
kerrie.tucker at greens.org.au
www.greens.org.au 
===========