These changes will weaken…

These changes will weaken the protections of endangered species and are a very bad idea. Giving the minister increased discretion to not follow the recommendations of the scientific panel defeats the purpose of the panel and opens the process up to lobbying groups and backroom deals. Any changes made to the act should be to further protect species and limit growth to within existing city limits. Allowing companies to pay to destroy habitat is a terrible idea that takes the responsibility away from the developers to avoid causing harm to endangered species. This will lead to negative outcomes for species even if it funds some projects. Habitat loss is the leading cause of biodiversity loss on the planet and we should not be making it easier to destroy.