Stop the claw back: coastal protection, marine parks and native vegetation must stay with Koperburg’s ministry

“This is a test for Premier Iemma to prove whether anything has changed. Michael Costa, Ian Macdonald and Tony Kelly represent all that was going against the environment in NSW, in the last term of government. For the last four years they ruled the roost.” Mr Cohen said.

“If Morris Iemma caves into these men, then it’s business as usual and the environment will suffer”, Mr Cohen said. “These are well known anti-environmentalists, headed by Michael Costa. If they succeed, then the promised reforms will fall flat.

“Mr Koperberg should be given a chance to work with the new changes, consolidate the new department and proceed with reforms not possible under the previous portfolios. We have a new department, with a strong senior minister untainted by factional politics. This is a good first step for the climate and environment issues in this state.

“In addition to facilitating better policy on native vegetation and climate change, the new portfolio should also improve the prospect of threatened species such as the iconic Grey Nurse shark. The Grey Nurse did not receive adequate protection under the previous fisheries minister Ian Macdonald.” Mr Cohen said