The Australian Conservation Foundation is appealing the Australian Administrative Tribunal’s decision to reject its Toondah Freedom of Information request to make secret documents public. 

You can read more or make a donation to support the appeal (should you wish to do so) in the attached web link. 

Here’s a few statements from Australian Conservation Foundation CEO, Kelly O'Shanassy, today:

‘The documents we are pursuing will likely uncover what was said between the Walker Corporation (one of Australia’s largest developers) and Australia’s Environment Department about a massive proposed marina and high-rise apartment complex on the Moreton Bay wetland in Queensland.

‘We wouldn’t be pursuing this if we didn’t believe we had a strong case. We have received advice from one of the most experienced barristers in Australia and will be arguing that the AAT made a legal error in refusing to release the documents. The decision sets an alarming precedent — that it’s acceptable for government agencies to keep discussions with property developers hidden from public view.

‘The wetland is an area of international significance. This case is critical to protecting precious habitat — an internationally protected wetland, where right now turtles, dolphins, whales, dugongs and Eastern curlews thrive. We must do everything we can to protect them.’

We know the Department recommended the project be refused outright because of the damage it could do to critical habitat. So now we want to know why the Environment Minister at the time ignored this advice and sent this project to the next stage of assessment. It’s just not right — we, the community, deserve to know what went on!’

Our case is fundamentally about elevating the importance of transparency in environmental decision-making. Negotiations and information between elected representatives and developers should be made public, especially when they are also donors to political parties.

The wetland is listed under the International Ramsar Convention and is supposed to be protected by Australia’s national environment law, the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

If, through a culture of secrecy, the Walker Corporation is given the go-ahead to destroy a large area of this wetland to make way for a marina and a massive luxury residential complex, it will set a devastating precedent for other protected areas, possibly even World Heritage Areas.

‘We will further highlight the need for a national environmental independent regulator, free from political interference’

It will take time, effort, and a lot of coordination but we know we have what it takes to win. We’ve won ambitious cases to protect nature in court before, and with you, we’ll do it again.

With courage, hope and community, we know we can win this one! Thank you, once again, for your support.