The Great Barrier Reef has avoided being placed on UNESCO’s “in danger” list – for now.

But the warning hasn’t gone away. UNESCO says Australia still needs to do more to protect it, including on water quality. And one of those problems starts far inland: when bushland is cleared, soil can wash into rivers that flow out to the coral.

The Australian Conservation Foundation says bulldozing for beef production is a major driver of that runoff. And now, Australia’s new national environment watchdog – the National Environmental Protection Agency – has opened its doors with more than 100 potentially unlawful land-clearing cases already on its books.

Labor says its new nature laws will protect the environment and speed up approvals for housing, renewables and infrastructure. But will they actually stop the clearing – or just speed up a broken system?

Today, CEO of the Australian Conservation Foundation Adam Bandt, on the first test of Labor’s new nature laws – and whether they can make an impact before it’s too late.

 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

 

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Guest: CEO of the Australian Conservation Foundation, Adam Bandt

Photo: WWF Australia

The Great Barrier Reef has avoided being placed on UNESCO&rsquo;s &ldquo;in danger&rdquo; list &ndash; for now.
But the warning hasn&rsquo;t gone away. UNESCO says Australia still needs to do more to protect it, including on water quality. And one of those problems starts far inland: when bushland is cleared, soil can wash into rivers that flow out to the coral.
The Australian Conservation Foundation says bulldozing for beef production is a major driver of that runoff. And now, Australia&rsquo;s new national environment watchdog &ndash; the National Environmental Protection Agency &ndash; has opened its doors with more than 100 potentially unlawful land-clearing cases already on its books.
Labor says its new nature laws will protect the environment and speed up approvals for housing, renewables and infrastructure. But will they actually stop the clearing &ndash; or just speed up a broken system?
Today, CEO of the Australian Conservation Foundation Adam Bandt, on the first test of Labor&rsquo;s new nature laws &ndash; and whether they can make an impact before it&rsquo;s too late.
&nbsp;
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.
&nbsp;
Socials: Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a>
Guest: CEO of the Australian Conservation Foundation, Adam Bandt
Photo:&nbsp;WWF Australia

An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

An independent daily news show. We feature the country&rsquo;s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

Adam Bandt on the first big test for Labor’s nature laws

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