In a media release issued today the Nature Coast Alliance has stated it is encouraged that the local Labor candidate for Bega, Leanne Atkinson, has announced that if Labor wins the 23 March NSW election they will not approve Council’s Rural Lands Strategy/ Local Environment Plan.
Kathryn Maxwell, Joint Convenor for the Nature Coast Alliance, said "Labor will send the plan back to Eurobodalla Shire Council to ensure it addresses the objections of six state government agencies which have been ignored by Council. The agencies include the Rural Fire Service, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water Resources, South East Local Land Services and the Office of Environment & Heritage."
“We don't want inappropriate development in the Eurobodalla.
"We must not jeopardise the Nature Coast environment and economy through the adoption of this badly flawed plan.
"We are pleased that Labor acknowledges this current plan would result in extensive damage to our vital estuaries, lakes, rivers and forests and thus harm our nature-based tourism, oyster and fishing industries", Ms Maxwell said.
"We can't compromise these key environmental assets, essential to our economy, for the short-term financial gains of a few developers and large land owners.”
"The Nature Coast Alliance calls on Andrew Constance, MP for Bega, to come out publicly and give the same commitment to the people of the Eurobodalla. Mr Constance then needs to gain the support of the Liberal Party in order to protect our future."
Above: Labor engaging with community on the RLS at a recent meeting
