Tony Abbott’s planned one-stop-shop for development approvals, announced today to begin in Tasmania, is code for fast-tracking damaging mega projects across the country, say the Australian Greens.

The Great Barrier Reef is an internationally renowned biodiversity icon and is the seventh natural wonder of the world. But tragically, it has lost 50% of its coral cover in the last 27 years and experts warn it could halve again in the next 10 years. Our Reef is threatened by climate change, land‐based pollution and the crown of thorns invasive starfish.

Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said today that Environment Minister Mark Butler's decision on the proposed Venture Minerals open-cut mine in the Tarkine is a political ploy in a marginal electorate on the first day of a Federal election.

"Minister Butler was always going to make the decision he made today for the same political reasons Tony Burke shocked the country by ignoring the Australian Heritage Councils recommendations to protect the Tarkine earlier this year," said Senator Whish-Wilson.

The Australian Greens today launched a $15 million plan in Adelaide to help wildlife carers meet the costs of providing quality care for sick and injured native animals.

"Wildlife carers travel great distances to respond to calls for help for injured animals and give countless hours of care. Orphaned joeys or birds, for example, often involve around the clock monitoring and feeding," Senator Larissa Waters, Australian Greens environment spokesperson, said.

Across Australia, every year thousands of volunteers help come to the rescue of sick and injured wildlife.  The Australian Greens believe our wildlife carers deserve more recognition and support for their invaluable work.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Australian native animals become orphaned, injured or displaced due to human activites that lead to habitat loss, poisoning, car strikes, entaglement in rubbish or barbed wire, or attacks by cats, dogs or other feral animals.

"Kevin Rudd's $100 million plan is a mixed bag for Tasmania," Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne said.

"There is no way federal dollars should be propping up Ta Ann. Tasmania's brand of clean, green and clever needs to be boosted, not undermined.

"Tasmania needs new industries that build on our environment and our global reputation.

"Tasmanians have been waiting for the hundred million dollars from the intergovernmental agreement to boost regional jobs and new industries. But this money was always contingent upon protection of the forests.

Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said today that Environment Minister Mark Butler should be spending time in Tasmania talking to experts on the endangered species under threat by Tarkine mine proposals.

"The failure of Minister Butler's predecessor to fully consider official conservation advice on endangered species was the basis of the court decision against Shree's proposed mine at Nelson Bay River," said Senator Peter Whish-Wilson.

Australian Greens spokesperson for Tourism Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said yesterday’s Federal Court decision on the proposed Nelson Bay River mine was a win for the long-term prospects of the tourism industry in the northwest.

Senator Whish-Wilson is today participating in the Northwest Tourism Forum in Stanley where the attendees heard from a wide range of speakers including legendary naturalist Terri Irwin.

Australian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson today said that the Federal Court's decision to uphold an appeal against a proposed mine at Nelson Bay River was welcome news for the long-term prospects of the Tarkine, and the endangered species that reside there.

"This result is in line with the Australian Heritage Council recommendation that the Tarkine be protected for its outstanding conservation values," said Senator Peter Whish-Wilson.

I love Royal National Park so this campaign for world heritage listing for these very special places means a lot to me.

Sutherland Shire Environment Centre is spearheading the First National Park campaign. I strongly recommend their book “A Natural for world heritage” by Dr Geoff Mosley. Geoff, a geographer and environmental historian, has produced a stunning publication.