Media Release 7 September 2006
The new laws must make readying our biodiversity for the coming threat of climate change a key priority. With nearly two thirds of SAs mammals and one quarter of all known species threatened, the situation in SA is urgent.
The decisions the State Government makes in the coming weeks on the State Budget and the Climate Change Bill will decide whether South Australias threatened species have a future, and whether more will join the list of those on the brink of extinction.
CCSA Campaigner, Julia Winefield said: The environment portfolio is the front line warrior for SA in the fight against climate change. It is ludicrous that the departments charged with protecting SA against the greatest threat it has ever faced, get less than 2% of the Budget, and are facing a $20m cut on top of that."
The Conservation Council has also called into question whether the Government will be able to achieve its Strategic Plan No Species Loss target if the Environment department is subject to funding cuts.
SA must avoid a future where we have to look to our currency for mementos of iconic species that once were. Instead lets invest that money in measures to prevent the loss of those species.
Decisions made now will determine whether future National Threatened Species Days in SA are a celebration of achievements or a wake , concluded Ms Winefield.
Comment: Julia Winefield, CCSA Campaigns Officer, 0411 028 930
