On Mining Proposals In Prime Minister's Speech

Environmental Group Comments On Mining Proposals In Prime Minister's Speech

EDS has responded to the announcements in the Prime Minister's speech at the opening of Parliament in which he addresses the potential for mining in National Parks and other Crown owned lands.

"We have still to see exactly what the government proposes when it releases a discussion paper on mining later this month or early next," says EDS Chairman Gary Taylor.

"Our expectation is that government will call for public comment on its proposed changes to Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act. So this is presumably not a done deal but one in which minds are still open to public feedback.

"EDS does not oppose mining on all Crown owned conservation land. It's a question of limiting mining to lower value areas for nature conservation and continuing to protect higher value areas.

"So let's see the detail of what is proposed and assess at that time whether it's reasonable or not.

"There were actually 2 new things in the Prime Minister's speech.

First, he expressly contemplated that some areas of conservation land not currently protected by Schedule 4 might be afforded that protection. That demonstrates that the review isn't just one-way traffic - taking land out of protection. That is welcome and I look forward to seeing the new areas for protection

Secondly, he announced a proposed Conservation Fund from royalties on Crown minerals. This appears designed to create a net benefit from any mining with the funding going into conservation projects.

"Provided it is new, additional money for conservation, and not a replacement for cut baseline funding, it is a good idea. But it must be designed in such a way that it doesn't create perverse incentives for decision-makers to lower environmental standards.

"Finally, if more Crown land is to be opened up to mining we will be relying on the Resource Management Act to ensure that it's undertaken in an environmentally acceptable way. So further weakening of the RMA should not be contemplated," Mr Taylor concluded.

ENDS