SP said...
Wonder if the state Gov would approve it, I assume they cant approve coastal development like that themselves.
SP - I am not all over the way in which Queensland operates but let me give you a quick rundown of how things work in NSW before Hatchers news release a few weeks back.
Constitutional responsibility for coast zone management lies with the State governments but do not discount the influence of the Commonwealth on these matters. Think John Sinclair and his action group that stopped sand mining on Fraser Island in 1976 (cost him his marriage, bankruptcy and he got sent packing from his hometown in Qld to live in NSW). Also recall that the Feds are the only ones that can collect income tax which means they do have policy levers that they can pull when they want things done - the States and Territories run budgets far in excess of their revenues. They are dependent on Fed money. The Feds can also override state decisions by exercising its constitutional powers – if state laws are found to be inconsistent. The Feds released legislation (agreed by all the states / territories in 2006) that states that national cooperation is required to achieve ecologically sustainable development through integrated coastal zone management. The Feds are serious about this issue.
In NSW the overriding piece of legislation that determines things like this lies in the NSW Coastal Policy (1997) which was needed in order to ensure that a balanced and co-ordinated management of the NSW coast's unique physical, ecological, cultural and economic attributes could occur. Its a merit based system.
These things are based on agreements signed up after further developments post the findings from the UN 'earth summit' in Rio in 1992. Sets the context in providing for population growth and economic development but protecting the cultural, spiritual and heritage values of the coastal environment.
The Coastal Policy has a strong integrating philosophy based on the 4 principles of ESD and signed in the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Environment in 1992.
It sets the context in providing for population growth and economic development but protecting the cultural, spiritual and heritage values of the coastal environment. This policy has a strong integrating philosophy based on the 4 principles of ESD that were signed in the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Environment in 1992
1. Conservation of bio-diversity and ecological integrity
2. Intergenerational equity – maintained and / or enhanced for future generations
3. Improved valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms – polluter pays, value ecosystems etc
4. Precautionary Principle – risk averse approach to decision making. If threats of serious damage or irreversible environmental damage lack fo full scientific certainty can not to be used as a reason to postpone measures to prevent environmental degradation
The policy when it was introduced in NSW also saw canal estates banned, sand mining, developments on the foreshore or fore dune (unless a surf club) and that no resorts could block beach amenity.
We have / had some great laws in this State - although we are unsure where we are heading now after Stage 1 of the Liberals move on Coastal Policy a few weeks back. On the surface though we are heaps better off than those north of the border it would seem. There is a great case to mount against them though and some very capable people are leading the charge. We all need to get behind it though and support them in every facet. Some tough times ahead - hang on for the ride!
he has slowed as the years have gone by,but he often had them published 
