2016-06-06
On World Environment Day today, the Greens launched their $2.1 billion election policy to protect native wildlife and biodiversity.
“The Australian Greens will commit $130 million over four years to stop precious threatened species habitat being destroyed,” said Senator Richard Di Natale, Australian Greens Leader.
“Australia has an incredibly unique environment with wildlife that sets us apart from the world and we have a duty to protect it for future generations.
“Global warming, mining and logging all threaten our unique natural heritage. The Australian Greens will commit $2 billion over six years to protect our World Heritage Areas, National Parks, Indigenous Protected areas and private land conservation programs.
“Investing in our environment and wildlife is an investment in the new economy and in our children’s futures. Our natural heritage, including our precious wilderness areas, are integral to a thriving tourism industry that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Senator Larissa Waters, Greens Deputy Leader and Environment spokesperson, said that strong action was needed to protect our threatened species.
“Australia has one of the worst rates of mammal extinction in the world and more than 20% of our remaining 386 mammal species are threatened with extinction,” said Senator Waters.
“Our native wildlife is under more pressure than ever before, due to global warming and damaging developments, including coal and gas mines, which also threaten agriculture.
“We’re calling on Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten to commit today, on World Environment Day, to match the Greens’ $2 billion commitment to restore and double the Biodiversity Fund, which provided incentives for landholders to protect native wildlife habitat.
“The Greens will always stand up for native species, which are so much a part of our national identity and draw visitors from all over the world to delight in our unique natural beauty,” Senator Waters said.