I oppose the plan to amend…

I oppose the plan to amend and ultimately repeal the Endangered Species Act under Schedule 2 because the proposed new Species Conservation Act 2025 (Schedule 10) will empower the Cabinet to override scientific evidence when making species protection decisions. This is really poor decision making because it is not based on the relevant information. Voluntary or discretionary decision-making is meaningless and ineffective. This becomes a political choice not a scientific one.

Narrowing the definition of habitat to exclude species habitat for feeding or migration effectively eliminates the species. The den or nest is protected but the interconnected environment that provides food and protection from predators has no protection. Is that what conservation means? Perhaps that is the intent of this legislation for it does nothing to encourage the recovery of an endangered species.

The current process requires developers to apply for permits that threaten protected species or their habitat. The permits are reviewed by environmental experts who evaluate the potential harm and suggest solutions. The proposal to replace this system with an online registration form that allows development to proceed without the consideration of safer alternatives is ridiculous and meaningless.