Hurry Save The Murray!

As of 1 July 2010, the Lower Lakes and Coorong Recovery became part of the new Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The new department has three goals:
* to build sustainable communities;
* to steward our natural resources;
* and to provide public places for community benefit.

What happened to the environment?
1. As of July 1, the Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH) became DENR - http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/

DENR encompasses the old DEH and Natural Resource Management staff and State Flora staff from DWLBC - thus integrating the government’s natural resource management services into a single department.

So who speaks for the environment?
DENR says: “Our business is the sustainability of South Australia. Our challenge is to work with the Government and the community to respond to environmental challenges such as climate change and to find a way of life that is both prosperous and economically and environmentally sustainable.”

So it appears DENR has to balance economic and environmental factors.

Who then advocates for the environment?

DENR says “We collect and provide information and knowledge about the state’s environment. We manage the state’s public land including national parks, marine parks, botanic gardens and the coastline. We also advise on environmental policy.”

To advise is not to advocate or defend or protect. In whose interests is advice offered?

With whom does DENR work? “DENR is part of the Environment and Conservation Portfolio and reports to the Minister for Environment and Conservation. We deliver the Government’s environment policies directly and through partnerships. These are with other government agencies, including the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, the Environment Protection Authority, Zero Waste SA, Natural Resources Management Boards, and Primary Industries and Resources SA, as well as & a wide range of non-government environment organisations, industry bodies and the community.”

“Our work is determined by our obligation to achieve related targets in South Australia’s Strategic Plan to administer legislation dedicated to our Minister and to respond to the needs of South Australians.”
So who speaks for the environment?

2. As of July 1, 2010, a new Department for Water, led by Scott Ashby as Chief Executive, took on some of the work of the old Department of Water, Land, and Biodiversity Conservation, DWLBC. See http://www.waterforgood.sa.gov.au/

DW says, “Water is fundamental to our health, our way of life and our environment. The new Department will ensure that there are always sufficient and sustainable water resources in South Australia for our health, our economy, our environment and our lifestyle.”

Who speaks for the environment?

DW says, “To ensure our water future to 2050 and beyond, we are putting South Australia’s water security plan, Water for Good, into action.

Released in June 2009, Water for Good outlines 94 actions to make sure our water supplies are secure, safe, diverse, reliable and able to sustain a growing population and a growing economy in a changing climate.”

Who speaks for the environment?