The NSW State Election provides the ideal opportunity for a new era of investment in a healthier, more resilient environment for the benefit of nature, the economy and society, according to NSW’s premier environment groups.
The Nature Conservation Council of NSW, National Parks Association, Total Environment Centre, Blue Mountains Conservation Society, Colong Foundation for Wilderness and the Wilderness Society have today launched a visionary agenda for the 2011 NSW election, Natural Advantage.
The NSW State Election provides the ideal opportunity for a new era of investment in a healthier, more resilient environment for the benefit of nature, the economy and society, according to NSW’s premier environment groups.
The Nature Conservation Council of NSW, National Parks Association, Total Environment Centre, Blue Mountains Conservation Society, Colong Foundation for Wilderness and the Wilderness Society have today launched a visionary agenda for the 2011 NSW election, Natural Advantage.
Voting and polling patterns suggest Australians care deeply about our environment and are prepared to vote for parties with strong environmental policies. If the trend continues, the environment could becomea key election decider for the people of NSW. Already public polling in NSW shows broad and enduring community support for action to protect the environment1.
“Voters in NSW are ready to support political leaders who recognise that investment in the environment now is vital for the long‐term sustainable growth and prosperity of NSW,” said Nature Conservation Council of NSW Chief Executive Officer, Pepe Clarke.
“NSW’s leading environment groups are calling on all political parties contesting the election to show bold leadership to reduce carbon pollution and restore our natural environment to health,” he said.
“The Natural Advantage agenda outlines an achievable path for restoring our environment, from
revitalising our once‐great river systems, cutting carbon pollution and growing jobs through more
recycling to better protection against the risks of coal seam gas and longwall mining and other extractive industries,” said Total Environment Centre Executive Director, Jeff Angel.
“The prospect of resolving the long‐standing conflict over forest management in Tasmania provides hope for new discussions and agreement between stakeholders for a transition to a sustainable forest future in NSW,” said The Wilderness Society NSW Campaign Manager, Belinda Fairbrother.
“We’ve identified the best opportunities for a lasting environmental legacy in NSW, the community is on side, all we need now is the political will to make it happen,“ said National Parks Association of NSW Executive Director, Kevin Evans.
Joint media release from Nature Conservation Council of NSW, National Parks Association, Total Environment Centre, Blue Mountains Conservation Society, Colong Foundation for Wilderness and the Wilderness Society.
1. Who cares about the Environment in 2009? Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water. February 2010.http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/community/201056_WhoCares09.pdf
