Protect Our Natural Heritage and Strengthen Penalties for Environmental Violations

Dear Supporters,

In an era where the delicate balance of our natural world is under constant threat, the protection of our flora and fauna becomes not just an act of conservation, but a critical duty for all of us. The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) and the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan stand as guardians of Australia's unique biodiversity. However, recent events have underscored a troubling reality: these safeguards are being undermined by illegal clearing activities, jeopardizing ecosystems that are vital not only for wildlife but for our collective future.

The fines currently imposed for such illegal activities are proving insufficient to deter developers and corporations from violating these protections. The cost of these fines is often seen as a mere expense rather than a deterrent. This must change. We are calling for a significant increase in penalties and introducing measures that would bar offenders from any future development on sites covered by the EPBC Act and similar protections nationwide.

Our end goal is clear: to send an unequivocal message that the degradation of our natural heritage will not be tolerated. Financial penalties should be just the beginning; the real cost to offenders will be the loss of opportunity to develop these precious lands, safeguarding them for future generations.

To achieve this, we need your voice.

We urge you to sign and share this petition widely. Together, we can petition all levels of government to support and enact much-needed changes to our planning laws, ensuring that they truly serve to protect our invaluable environmental heritage.

This is more than a call for action—it's a plea for preservation. By strengthening the consequences for those who illegally clear land under the protection of the EPBC Act and the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan, we not only defend our current ecosystems but also secure them for the future.

Your signature represents a stand against the degradation of our environment and a step towards a more sustainable and responsible interaction with our natural world. Let us unite in this cause and demand that our laws reflect the seriousness of environmental protection.

Sign and share this petition to advocate for harsher penalties for environmental violations and to send a powerful message that our natural heritage is not for sale. Together, we can work towards a future where the beauty and biodiversity of Australia are preserved for generations to come.

Thank you for your support and action.

Let's make a difference, together.

Sincerely,

Michelle Maroun 

Appin Resident