Paul McKeown

 

PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT

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There is no question from me that we need to do better at environmental planning and pollution control to support a healthy and sustainable environment in our country.

 

Despite Australia having volumes of environmental law, across all government jurisdictions, we see environmental degradation everywhere. Town planning in most of our communities is a total mess, and our consumption and use of disposable and environmentally harmful products is at an all time high.

 

Our environmental laws are inequitable, serving to slow the building of critical infrastructure, and the responsible and productive management of agricultural land, whist seemingly allowing unscrupulous developers free-rein to fell trees and devastate vast tracts of land for ugly treeless suburbs.

 

We need a better approach, so here are my thoughts:

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I believe we need to do a lot more to reduce all forms of pollution (including visual pollution) on the land, in the sea and in the air, and to protect and maintain our waterways, forests, green space and agricultural land, particularly in areas of rapid development.

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We need better planning with the provision of more 'green space' within and between areas of development.

 

Environmental law already helps to protect our highly valued species of native birds, fish and animals, in their existing habitats, but I believe there is a case for extending the reach of environmental law to permit and encourage habit creation.

 

Humans take a lot, but they also have a great capacity to give back. It should be OK for us to use our intellect and skills to terra-form and build environments that support the other species. Planting trees, creating gardens and forests, building dams and mending waterways, are just some examples of how human beings can make a tangible and positive difference to the environment and help our animal friends. We should of course work with the native land, and be respectful of it...after all, it knows what it's doing! ...but we should not be afraid to step in and help, where our contribution is positive.

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It might seem counter-intuitive, but one of the best things we can do for the environment is to have a strong, stable and vibrant economy and a comfortable and prosperous population. You only have to look at the developing world or the failed states to see of how little importance the environment is to people who cannot find enough food to eat, or who cannot stay warm at night. 

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To care for the environment, we have to love it first - so we need to get outside more and experience it - walk, hike, climb, sail, fly, dive...whatever you can get yourself into, or just go and simply sit in a forest to drink it all in for free! Being in the environment is good for our physical and mental health, and experiencing the environment makes us appreciate its special value even more.

 

Our government should be encouraging and supporting outdoor activities in the environment, not shutting us out.

 

Recent attempts by Australian governments to ban people from climbing mountain peaks, or to racially segregate beaches, should be resisted at all costs. The voices of your protests should be heard loud and clear. The Australian environment should be for all Australians, to love, protect, experience and enjoy. 

 

Finally, in the spirit of many little things matter, each of us also needs to make good environmental choices every day. It does actually matter if you chuck your KFC wrappers out the car window, it does matter if you buy everything wrapped in heavy plastic from the big chain supermarket, it does matter if you don't properly maintain your car etc etc.

 

These things seems small, but the sum total of our individual commitment to the environment is probably the most powerful force for protecting our world for future generations. Do the right thing.

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