Schedule 15 Statement of environmental effects

Schedule 15 Statement of environmental effects

(Clause 15 (1))

Definition

For the purposes of this Schedule, “the principles of ecologically sustainable development” are as follows—

(a) The precautionary principle—namely, that if there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation.

(b) Inter-generational equity—namely, that the present generation should ensure that the health, diversity and productivity of the environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations.

(c) Conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity.

(d) Improved valuation and pricing of environmental resources.

Note—

The matters to be included in item 5 (c) might include such of the following as are relevant to the proposed development—

(a) the likelihood of soil contamination arising from the development,

(b) the impact of the development on flora and fauna,

(c) the likelihood of air, noise or water pollution arising from the development,

(d) the impact of the development on the health of people in the neighbourhood of the development,

(e) any hazards arising from the development,

(f) the impact of the development on traffic in the neighbourhood of the development,

(g) the effect of the development on local climate,

(h) the social and economic impact of the development,

(i) the visual impact of the development on the scenic quality of land in the neighbourhood of the development,

(j) the effect of the development on soil erosion and the silting up of rivers or lakes,

(k) the effect of the development on the cultural and heritage significance of the land on which it is proposed to be carried out.