03/03/2005 - The Australian
Minister for the Environment and Heritage,
Senator Ian Campbell, today said he had approved
the development of a sand mine near Donnybrook,
Queensland, subject to strict conditions under
the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
The sand mine proposal required the Australian
Government's approval because of the need
to assess the impacts on the adjacent Moreton
Bay Ramsar wetland area and migratory species,
particularly waterbirds.
"As well as an extensive assessment
process that included close examination of
the potential groundwater impacts by the Bureau
of Rural Sciences, I required an independent
review of the assessment of potential impacts
on the wetland and bird life," Senator
Campbell said.
"The independent review, conducted by
Dr Trevor Ward, an expert in marine environmental
management issues, found that potential impacts
on these matters could be appropriately managed,
" provided the operation is well managed,
and there is appropriate monitoring and assessment
put in place".
"On the basis of this assessment I have
imposed strict conditions to protect these
matters
"One requirement will be an independent
technical panel, to advise and assist with
the development and implementation of an environmental
management plan. I will also obtain additional
expert advice on this plan when it is submitted
for my approval.
"I am confident this decision will provide
effective protection for the Moreton Bay Ramsar
wetland and the migratory species that use
the area," Senator Campbell said.
