The government is planning to hand over environmental approval powers to the states through COAG, thereby weakening our environmental law reforms, and threatening unique Australian ecosystems and species. This would mean project approvals could occur without federal oversight. Unfortunately, the states can't be trusted to look after the environment. State governments have a track record of putting short-term gains ahead of national interest when assessing development proposals. 

Your action can make a difference! Contact  the Prime Minister, the Federal Environment Minister The Hon Tony Burke MP This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Queensland senators to express your concerns.

Make it clear what you are asking for:

• No handing over of environmental powers to the States
• Strengthening our environmental protections, not weakening them
• Survival of our recently listed koala depends upon retaining federal protection

Some major points:

• The COAG agenda is being driven by big business interests. 

• The handing over of powers to the states is intended to ensure even more rapid approvals of major and often destructive developments

• It will not improve protection of places that are special to us. 

• Our national environmental laws are not working now – handing them to the states will make them much worse much faster 

• Virtually every environmental indicator in Australia is in decline, even the Great Barrier Reef. (see, State of the Environment Report 2011) – we need stronger protections, not weaker