2016-11-17
Greens spokesperson for sustainable planning the Hon Lynn MacLaren MLC has congratulated the Beach not Bitumen umbrella group for successfully lobbying the Government to rethink plans for road extensions at Scarborough Beach.
Ms MacLaren said today’s announcement from the Minster for Planning that boundary changes to accommodate road extensions at Scarborough Beach would not proceed until investigations into alternatives are undertaken and assessed represented a victory for people power.
“Without having firm development rules in place in vulnerable coastal areas, it is up to every community to defend and stop development on a case by case basis,” Ms MacLaren said.
“Clearly, Western Australians will fiercely defend their beaches.
“I congratulate Beach Not Bitumen and associated groups on their determination to protect this area.”
Ms MacLaren said current laws were inadequate for coastal climate change adaptation, placing property and the environment at risk.
She said for this very reason the Greens introduced a Bill* that modernises planning law needed to prepare for the impacts of rising sea levels due to climate change.
“We stand with the community in opposing this road and welcome the planning Minister’s statement today,” Ms MacLaren said.
Ms MacLaren will today participate in the Save Scarborough and Trigg Beach rally at Parliament House.
*Climate Change Readiness (Coastal Planning and Protection) Bill 2013
Related portfolios: PlanningBiodiversity & Conservation