In
short, responses from other all other candidates
put the Greens in the lead on protecting our regional biodiversity.,
with the ALP second and the LNP somewhere third. It is of course
not that simple and it would take some time to unpick the complexities
and implications of the responses, together with the promises and track
record of the parties.
I
suggest reading the responses of your candidates before voting.
But for the record, this is a overall commentary gained by CAFNEC from
the responses and track record of the parties.
It is disappointing that no LNP candidate in the FNQ
region could find the time to complete the survey. I
suppose it's a matter of priorities, one
LNP candidate estimated that it would take four hours to complete the
survey and indicated that they were not willing to spend this time
answering these questions. CAFNEC accepts candidates have busy
schedules, but also notes other candidates have found the time to
complete the survey.
ALP candidate for Cook Jason O'Brien took the time to complete the
survey, whilst all other ALP candidates had their homework completed
by ALP head office in Brisbane. All responses reiterated ALP policy and
no major announcements were made. The review of the Integrated Planning
Act 1997 was mentioned, along with a new commitment to review old
development approvals within 18months of the election and, assessing
them against un-stated criteria. Although welcome, this falls far short
of a commitment to put a use by date on them, or ensuring any resulting
developments would adhere to current planning regulations.
Habitat Protection and Development Controls
All questions put to the ALP candidates relating to biodiversity
protection were referred back to the recently
completed FNQ2031 Regional Plan. Whilst far from delivering
satisfactory biodiversity and habitat protection, the Regional Plan
does represent a positive step forward through limiting the damage of
continued urban sprawl. In contrast the LNP have stated they will scrap
this plan and start again, citing this restriction of urban expansion
as an area of concern. CAFNEC feels the LNP approach is a backward
step, instead parties should work on making the plan work harder at
delivering sustainable planning outcomes. Green candidates supported
statutory habitat protection measures that would offer real protection.
The delivery of sustainable coastal development for Queensland has been
a major failing of the current government, but with little comment from
the LNP on the issue, it is difficult to judge between these two
parties. The Liberal/National Party have an appalling record on coastal
protection whilst in government and so it's a fair bet that our coasts would be
no safer under an LNP government.
The failed False Cape development highlights many deficiencies in
current planning laws and a reminder of what else could be around the corner if the LNP got
their wish to open East Trinity to
development.
The question of False Cape is avoided by the ALP, only saying the it
could not happen again under the new Regional Plan. This is not a
convincing argument when considered against the recent approval of the
Sea Haven Canal Estate in Innisfail, a development that is contrary to
state regulations on canal estates.
Climate Change
The Greens far outshine the other parties, with their pro-active
support for the creation of new jobs and industries to replace our
traditional, and increasingly uncertain, power generation
infrastructure.
The LNP could have talked about their Solar Feed-In Tariff that offers
a real incentive for those wishing to install home solar systems, but they didn't bother. The
ALP trumpets their Solar Hot Water Rebate scheme that will be effective
in cutting power bills and power demand. But overall, both of these
parties actively support the Fossil Fuel driven industries over
renewable energy alternatives. e.g. you can mine coal just about
anywhere and be exempt from environmental and planning legislation,
whilst windfarm proposals can be blocked if one neighbour thinks it
might spoil the view!
Landclearing, Rivers and Cape York
On Wild River conservation, the protection Cape York and land clearing
controls, the Greens are way ahead, closely followed by the ALP, who
stand by their record. The LNP
have made little comment and no policy has been sighted. Steve Brech
(Greens-Cairns) did not support all aspects of the Wild Rivers
legislation.
All candidate responses can be viewed, in-full, at: www.cafnec.org.au
