Funding for environmental community legal centres Highlight Section Port Stephens by News Of The Area - Modern Media - November 1, 2022 The fragile ecology of Soldiers Point includes the critically endangered Beach Stone Curlew. Photo: Mat Spillard. CLIMATE change, development and a lack of sustainability and vision have all impacted our natural environment. Fighting to protect the environment can be for community groups who have to raise funds to take on big issues to save our fragile environment for future generations. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Now the Federal Government is restoring funding for environmental community legal centres, which is good news for vulnerable ecosystems and communities under threat from ecologically unsustainable development. The Federal Government’s commitment, totalling $9.8 million over four years, reinstates crucial Commonwealth funding for the Environmental Defenders Office after federal funding ceased in 2013. “The restoration of funding is a welcome recognition of the important role that EDO plays in our society,” EDO Chief Executive David Morris said. “People need access to the justice system to uphold environmental laws and challenge bad or unlawful decisions, but few have the resources to do so without our help. “We provide vital legal services to a wide range of people and organisations, from farmers and First Nations peoples to residents affected by pollution fighting for environmental justice. “We also contribute to vital law reform and educate the community about their rights and responsibilities. “The funding announced in yesterday’s federal budget will help us continue that important work.” Local community member Cherylle Stone told News Of The Area, “The EDO has provided invaluable advice to the Soldiers Point Community Group for many years, which has resulted in limiting negative environmental impacts of development in the local area.” Roz Armstrong is another local that has been battling against development which threatens fragile environments. “The Soldiers Point Community Group was pleased to hear of the Federal Government’s intention to restore funding to the Environmental Defenders Office. “This agency plays a vital role in ensuring that community organisations have access to advice and tools to advocate for positive environmental outcomes in the face of developers looking to avoid their legislated responsibilities. “The Soldiers Point Community Group owe, in part, their success in stopping the expansion of the Soldiers Point Marina into designated Aboriginal Place to advice received from this agency over a number of years and I have no doubt that we will reach out to them again during our bid to make sure rampant, over height development does not destroy the ecological character and cultural history of the Point,” she said. By Marian SAMPSON The Sacred Kingfisher at Soldiers Point. Photo: Mat Spillard. The Bar-tailed Godwit is one of the birds that travels the furthest in the world. The Bar-tailed Godwit just broke a world record for longest continuous flight, clocking up 13560km in eleven days straight. These birds have been photographed at Sunset Beach, Soldiers Point. Photo: Mat Spillard.
