[Greens-Media] Conservation Commission Withdrew Important Appeal to Protect Point Peron

[Lynn MacLaren MLC]

Conservation Commission Withdrew Important Appeal to Protect Point Peron

Media statement, 12 June 2012

The Greens MLC Lynn MacLaren wants the circumstances of the withdrawal
of an environmental appeal by the Conservation Commission to be revealed
and the grounds of the appeal against the Mangles Bay marina reviewed.

"The Conservation Commission had submitted an appeal against the EPA's
approval for the controversial Mangles Bay Marina, and subsequently
withdrew it. This was revealed when I questioned the Environment
Minister today," saidMs MacLaren.

"People are going to ask, what's happening behind the scenes? What did
the Commission identify as the shortcomings of the proposal and why was
the appeal withdrawn?

"This raises more questions than it answers about the Government's
procedures on protecting the environment.

"It took Parliament question time to uncover the details of the appeal.
It's clear from the Commission's appeal, tabled today in response to my
questions, that there were two important grounds for appeal.

"The Commission had written that the EPA recommendations had not
adequatelyaddressed the Commission's concerns on nature conservation
values. The Commission considers the landform and vegetation in
Rockingham Lakes Regional Park to be of international importance and
opposes the marina due to increasing pressures on the natural
environment.

"Secondly, the Commission found the offset conditions lacking. The
Commission had not been given an opportunity to assess the value of the
area to be acquired for conservation.

"It surprises me that an important perspective on the protection of
Point Peron's natural values was withdrawn."

Media liaison: Shane Guthrie
Mobile 0428 207 007
<Shane.Guthrie at mp.wa.gov.au>

Office of Hon Lynn MacLaren MLC, Member for South Metropolitan Region
Legislative Council, Parliament of Western Australia
Unit 7, 142 South Terrace, Fremantle, Western Australia 6160
Tel 08 9430 7233
<http://www.lynnmaclaren.org.au/>