The Greens condemn the EPA for appealing to the Supreme Court the TASCAT decision that Mine Watch Meander Valley be allowed to challenge the approval of a bauxite mine in their community.
Mine Watch Meander Valley, an environment group, is challenging the approval of a potentially destructive mine in their local Reedy Marsh area. The EPA has appealed Mine Watch Meander Valley’s ability to challenge the mine.
Blocking community groups exercising their legal right to fight for environmental protection is an obscene overreach from the EPA. An appeal like this is something to be expected of the proponent, not the statutory agency charged with assessing and regulating impacts on the environment.
The EPA trying to block the legal participation of community members concerned about their local environment is a shocking use of taxpayer resources. It’s forcing a local community group to spend time and resources defending its right to participate. It doesn’t pass the pub test.
Under Greens’ questioning in Budget Estimates, the EPA Director refused to comment on the appeal, other than to say that its motivation was to uphold proper application of the law. The EPA confirmed it has no budget limit allocated to prosecute the appeal.
The EPA should focus on protecting the environment, not challenging communities trying to look after their local area. It’s time they reflect on their real purpose.
