South Australia has enacted its first-ever Biodiversity Act, which passed through State Parliament, marking a significant moment for the state’s environmental protection efforts. Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Susan Close MP, announced that the new legislation is in place to protect SA’s distinct native flora and fauna as well as to more effectively address the impacts of climate change.
Previously, biodiversity protections were covered by various separate laws, which made enforcing them a challenge. The Biodiversity Act aims to consolidate these protections into a single, comprehensive framework.
The Act received input from stakeholders including environmental scientists, economists, primary producers, miners, and development planners. One of the key features of the new Act is the introduction of a general duty clause, which mandates that all South Australians contribute to biodiversity protection.
It also strengthens laws surrounding native plants and establishes clearer regulations to help protect native vegetation. In an effort to deter environmental damage more effectively, the Act includes provisions for harsher penalties. For businesses, penalties for harming or trafficking native animals or illegally clearing native habitat could now reach up to a maximum of $500,000, up sharply from the previous range of $2,500 to $100,000.
Individuals face equally strict measures, with penalties including a $250,000 fine or up to five years in jail for those convicted of illegally killing, capturing, or interfering with protected animals.
The Act introduces a new process for identifying and protecting critical habitats essential for the survival of threatened species. It also establishes a new, nationally consistent method for listing threatened species and ecological communities. This method will align South Australia with other states and involve input from a scientific committee.
Susan Close MP stated, “This new Biodiversity Act is yet another example of South Australia taking a leading role in protecting the environment and modernising our economy to deal with the effects of climate change.”
She continued, “We not only have to stop harming nature, but we also have to restore it to create a stronger collective future for all South Australians.”
“This Act will establish the framework to deliver environmental wins by safeguarding threatened animals and plants, restoring valuable habitat and ecosystems, while supporting billions of dollars in economic activity,” said Close.
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