Yvonne Fessler

Submission in response to discussion paper

Some have argued that past changes to the EPBC Act to add new matters of national environmental significance did not go far enough. Others have argued it has extended the regulatory reach of the Commonwealth too far. What do you think? - have argued that past changes to the EPBC Act of adding new matters of national environmental significance did not go far enough. Others have argued it has extended the regulatory reach of the Commonwealth too far. What do you think?

I don't think the changes have gone far enough. We need much stronger laws to protect our environment .

What high level concerns should the review focus on? For example, should there be greater focus on better guidance on the EPBC Act, including clear environmental standards? How effective has the EPBC Act been in achieving its statutory objectives to protect the environment and promote ecologically sustainable development and biodiversity conservation? What have been the economic costs associated with the operation and administration of the EPBC Act?

There should be stricter laws on logging!!
Logging should not be going ahead as we need trees now more than ever not only for our benefit but for our unique wildlife.

Should the EPBC Act regulate environmental and heritage outcomes instead of managing prescriptive processes?

Yes, most definitely.

Should low-risk projects receive automatic approval or be exempt in some way? How could data help support this approach? Should a national environmental database be developed? Should all data from environmental impact assessments be made publicly available?

All projects, even low risk should be strictly monitored and impact assessments be made publicly available.

How should the EPBC Act support the engagement of Indigenous Australians in environment and heritage management?

• How can we best engage with Indigenous Australians to best understand their needs and potential contributions?

• What mechanisms should be added to the Act to support the role of Indigenous Australians?

We must support and listen to the advice of indigenous Australians and give better protection to their lands.

How should community involvement in decision-making under the EPBC Act be improved? For example, should community representation in environmental advisory and decision making bodies be increased?

Yes, communities must be given a greater role in decision making and must be listened to. After all, they have to.live with the consequences of bad decisions.

Is the EPBC Act delivering what was intended in an efficient and effective manner?

We need to have better protection of our wildlife. We have unique species that are being decimated due to widespread habitat loss.

Koalas for example need much stronger protection of their habitat.

What are the priority areas for reform?

No more logging.

Protect wildlife corridors and create many more!!

Ultimate protection of our unique species!!

Protect waterways.

Is there anything else of importance to you that you would like the review to consider?

Protection of our unique wildlife before it's too late!!!