The Independent Member for Noosa, Sandy Bolton MP has continued efforts to see an end to the trauma being experienced by hinterland residents affected by heavy haulage.
In a recent speech in Parliament on the Environmental Protection Bill, Ms Bolton shared the community’s frustration that the recommendations in the 2022 independent review of environmental protection enforcement and compliance have not been adopted fully within the Bill.
“My community respect, and are passionate about, the environment. That is reflected in its Biosphere Reserve status and the efforts over decades to protect its unique assets. Yet over the last three years, we have seen a catastrophic increase in dust, noise, damage to infrastructure and wildlife, and danger to road users and residents through an inappropriate volume of heavy haulage through our Noosa villages with no action through our environmental protection system to mitigate this,” Ms Bolton said.
The Kin Kin Quarry is an example of where an environmental authority (EA) is issued for small development that then allows for an unacceptable expansion if it is the same type of development, without triggering a review of the EA in any form.
“An EA should deal with all impacts, not just those inside the permit area, and include wildlife carnage, social and economic impacts on residents, and the mental and physical health of communities. We have been advocating for improved environmental regulation including for an Independent Environment Protection Agency since 2021, and welcomed the independent review and its recommendations.”
One of the vital recommendations from the independent review was to give the chief executive the power to amend environmental authorities when otherwise environmental impacts are not being addressed.
“That this has not been adopted in full is deeply concerning. With historical EAs granted decades earlier, the size, scale, nature and impact of the activity can change dramatically over time which can devastate communities. Hence, it is so important that a mechanism be available to amend that authority when that occurs. Our community was hopeful when the recommendations came out as this provided a way forward, yet this bill does not deliver the recommendations in full as needed. This is deeply disappointing, as well that few environmental agencies made submissions during the committee consultation process,” said Sandy.
The department responded to concerns raised that it was seeking to balance environmental protections with impacts on stakeholders.
“Given the experience of my own community, and no doubt many others across the state, the so-called ‘balance’ is tilted enormously away from Queenslanders who must endure the trauma of being exploited by environmental, emotional and economic destruction with no power to do anything about it. This is unacceptable in all ways.”
The Independent MP continues to ask when will an Independent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) be realised, as consultation was completed in July 2022. Every other state in Australia has an EPA, and it is time Queensland had one.
“A recommendation they thankfully implemented was adding the concept of human health, safety and wellbeing in the definitions of environment and environmental value which may provide a path forward,” she said.
