FED:Aust biodiversity in decline

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-2011
FED:Aust biodiversity in decline

A report card into Australia's environment has given the federal government poor marks
for biodiversity, heritage and land management.

The 900 page independent report says there's been "limited federal leadership" in implementing
a national system to tackle manage coastal marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

Environment minister TONY BURKE said the independent assessment had the rated the government
as "most improved" and would help shape environmental policy at all levels.

The report found management and protection of heritage was under resourced and there's
inadequate resources to enforce restrictions on illegal land clearing.

It also singled out the main threat to indigenous sacred sites as "conscious destruction"

through government-approved development.

AAP RTV lpm/rl/ar

KEYWORD: ENVIRONMENT (CANBERRA)

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