Councils in St George and Sutherland Shire could have their tree protection powers curtailed or possibly removed under proposed new laws.
The state government is considering introducing a new “streamlined” policy of tree protection that would apply consistently across all urban areas.
Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) condemned the move, which is included in controversial draft biodiversity and land clearing legislation.
The organisation said in its submission on the draft bills it was not aware of any justification for the tree protection change.
“SSROC would seek to retain the existing system, especially in view of an increased need for tree canopy as a climate change adaptation mechanism,” the organisation said.
Sutherland Shire, Georges River and Rockdale councils are members of SSROC.
Environment Minister Mark Speakman told the Leader, “The government is contemplating introducing an urban vegetation SEPP (State Environmental Protection Policy).”
“This will aim to streamline tree protection in urban areas,” he said.
“Councils will probably retain some consent role, but in any event there will be considerable consultation before any changes are made to the law.
“The government recognises the importance of the urban tree canopy as habitat for native species, for its carbon sink, for its cooling effect and for making our cities look and feel nicer.
“As a government our aim is to significantly increase the urban tree canopy, not reduce it.”
SSROC also raised a range of other concerns about the draft legislation.
The organisation said it acknowledged the case for reform that had been made by an independent panel.
“The aim of that review was ‘to recommend a simpler, streamlined and more effective
legislation which improves the conservation of biodiversity and supports sustainable development
thereby reducing the compliance and administrative burdens’ ,” it said.
“However, the draft legislation does
not achieve the stated aim of the review, since it puts facilitating development and cutting red tape
ahead of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.”
The submission said, while the government asserted the reforms would facilitate
ecologically sustainable development, SSROC believed those principles would in fact be undermined.
It said no species or habitat would be protected from development, irrespective of how endangered it might be, and the the changes offered nothing for the protection of open space, reserves, bushland remnants or other green space.
A submission by Georges River Combined Councils' Committee (GRCC), which includes Sutherland Shire, Rockdale and Georges River councils, was also highly critical of the draft legislation.
Nature Conservation Council CEO Kate Smolski said the proposed legislation package was flawed and should be scrapped.
Earlier this year, Mr Speakman and other shire MPs were sent woodcuts, inscribed with messages opposing the draft legislation, after a forum at Gymea.
Protesters delivered a petition with 10,000 signatures, gathered around the state, to Mr Speakman’s Cronulla office.