Alarming revelations that unauthorised works by Cement Australia caused detrimental damage to threatened species habitat again show the need for stronger environment laws and more transparency by the EPA.
Railton locals have been concerned about what is happening at the Cement Australia site for a long time and given what’s now been revealed it’s easy to see why. The EPA has identified the company engaged in extensive land clearing and earthworks without authorisation – directly affecting 400 metres of waterways, with further impacts downstream.
This company’s actions have caused significant damage in an area that holds important environmental values. These creeks are home to threatened freshwater crayfish species and the area is listed as globally significant for its glacial deposits. It’s simply shocking.
This is an alarming situation because of damage caused, but also because we are only finding about it more than a year after the fact. That’s simply not good enough. When a major breach like this occurs, we should see the EPA empowered to make sure the public are fully informed.
What’s happened here is a clear reminder of why the Tasmanian government needs to step up to make sure this precious island’s unique environment and endemic species are protected and there are serious consequences for any breaches to existing laws. For too long companies have understood that they can do whatever they like because there will be no real consequences if they get caught breaking the rules. That has to change.
Tasmania needs stronger environmental laws, and we need an EPA that is squarely focused and empowered to adequately protect our environment – not on protecting the profits and reputations of corporations.
