NATIVE VEGETATION (APPLICATION OF ACT) AMENDMENT BILL

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading.

(Continued from 21 July 2010.)

The Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (21:40): I rise briefly to indicate that I will support the bill introduced by the Hon. Mark Parnell. The bill seeks to bring inner hills suburbs in the City of Mitcham, such as Belair, Bellevue Heights and Blackwood, which are considered to be outside the Hills Face Zone, into the ambit of the Native Vegetation Act 1991. As the honourable member outlined when introducing this bill last year, the proposed amendment to section 4 of the Native Vegetation Act 1991 is identical to the amendment proposed in the government's Native Vegetation (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2008.

As I recall, that bill failed to pass this place due to other unrelated issues, namely, the protection of native vegetation in the context of bushfire prevention or preparedness. Having reread the second reading contributions and the committee debate for that bill, it is clear that the amendment proposed by the honourable member had the support of both sides of the floor. While regrettable, this is unfortunately one of the consequences if this parliament is unable to reach agreement.

My office has contacted the City of Mitcham, which, while noting that the current regulations provide minimal protection to native vegetation in residential areas, supports the passage of the bill. It being a simple and straightforward piece of legislation and there having been no objections raised, I see no reason not to support this piece of legislation.

Debate adjourned on motion of the Hon. P. Holloway.