Media Release: LAND AND BIODIVERSITY AT A TIME OF CLIMATE CHANGE

FROM THE MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

DATE: Monday, April 23, 2007

LAND AND BIODIVERSITY AT A TIME OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Environment Minister John Thwaites today launched the start of the Bracks Government’s next major environmental policy initiative, the Land and Biodiversity White Paper.

Mr Thwaites said the Land and Biodiversity White Paper would help shape environmental policy and identify investment priorities for the next 20 to 50 years.

“There’s no doubt it’s a difficult time for the environment - Victoria is in the grip of a severe drought, which is complicated by recent bushfires, the potential impacts of climate change, and continued pressure from urban growth,” Mr Thwaites said.

“These challenges are inter-related and the many actions we are taking to address these challenges must also be inter-related.

“We need to plan to meet environmental challenges including drought, climate change and bushfires to preserve our natural environment and ensure the prosperity of our regions.

“The Land and Biodiversity White Paper will serve as a blueprint for looking after our land and biodiversity.

“It will complement our efforts and initiatives to support farmers and regional areas through the drought and into the future.”

Mr Thwaites said the Land and Biodiversity White Paper follows two major Bracks Government environmental blueprints in recent years: the Environment Sustainability Action Statement 2006 and the plan to secure Victoria’s water supplies over the next 50 years, Our Water Our Future.

“The Land and Biodiversity White Paper is about achieving the right balance between land, coastal and marine uses and the sustainable management of our natural resources,” he said.

“Victoria has long been seen as a green and productive state, with attractive landscapes, fertile farmland, significant national parks and state forests and diverse flora and fauna.

“Today is the first step to engage the community in this key debate: how do we revitalise our land and water catchments and sustain our native biodiversity, while providing the right framework for agricultural growth?”

The Land and Biodiversity White Paper will build on and complement the successes of the Water White Paper while also addressing the urgent global challenges of climate change.

“The Water White Paper which became the Our Water Our Future Action Plan was extremely well received by the public and industry,” Mr Thwaites said.
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“Within an incredibly short period of time people accepted the need to modify their water use, recycling is being boosted and additional supplies are being added to water systems.”

Mr Thwaites was joined at the lunch by Sir Gustav Nossal, world renowned scientist, former Australian of the Year and the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s Chief Scientist.

Sir Gustav will chair the White Paper’s Scientific Reference Group which is comprised of Professor Ralph MacNally, Professor of Ecology, Monash University; Professor Barry Hart, Emeritus Professor, Monash University and Director, Water Science P/L; Professor Mark Burgman, School of Botany, University of Melbourne; and Professor Ary Hoffman, Director of Research at Centre for Environmental Stress and Adaptation Research.

Sir Gustav said that few matters were more important to Victorians than a vibrant countryside and a pristine environment.

“This White Paper will chart a pathway towards these desirable goals,” Sir Gustav said.

The launch marked the start of the consultation process, the release of the terms of reference and call for submissions. It is the first stage of an intensive 18-month process.

A Stakeholder Reference Group will be established as part of the process to facilitate consultation with relevant organisations in the lead-up to development of a Green Paper to be released before the subsequent White Paper.

For further information or to obtain a Consultation Paper, call 136 186 or visit dse.vic.gov.au.