Regulating Protection of Wildlife
A case for active regulation of the electricity transmission sector and compliance with environment law.
Energy Grid Alliance acknowledges the importance of protecting wildlife and are pleased to make a submission in response to regulating Victoria’s natural environment.
There is nothing more important to our existence than a healthy natural environment. Yet despite efforts in recent decades, many native plant and animal species remain under threat as Victoria’s biodiversity continues to decline. We need to stop the decline of our biodiversity and ensure that our natural environment is healthy, valued and actively cared for.
The decline of our biodiversity also impacts the future health, wellbeing and prosperity of all Victorian communities.
The purpose of this submission and accompanying paper is to:
- Respond to questions raised on the draft consultation paper
- Provide an overview of the important need to protect Victoria’s biodiversity
- Highlight the importance of community and landholder initiatives such as land for conservation
- Identify how creation of biolinks (corridors for the protection of native flora and fauna) can halt further habitat fragmentation and improve the long-term health of our ecosystems and the species they contain.
This submission also presents case studies relating to the proposed energy infrastructure project, the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project (WVTNP). The first of many large-scale transmission projects planned for the state of Victoria as we transition to renewable energy generation.
These case studies highlight an urgent need for energy network operators and related stakeholders to adopt stringent environment protection policies that serve to protect and enhance our environment and prevent further decline of our biodiversity. They also present a case for active regulation of the electricity transmission sector and compliance with environment law.
We welcome further opportunities for discussion with the Conservation Regulator in regulating the natural environment seriously.
Swift Parrot Image: Birdlife Australia Shuvo Rahman
“We need to work together and enjoy the benefits of our natural environment, recognising that our long term wellbeing and prosperity is inextricably linked to the health of our natural environment. This is not just a plan for action, but a blueprint for our success in stopping the decline of Victoria’s unique biodiversity.”