ROADS TRUMP RIVERS IN AUSTRALIA: “The question is: can we not reorient the infrastructure model to protection and restoration of waterways? We need to turn urban streams back into functioning ecosystems,” wrote Bruce Lindsay, Environmental Justice Australia

 

Lawyer Bruce Lindsay says the biggest threat is development and land use.

There are creeks and waterways all over urban Melbourne

“Thousands of kilometres of rivers, wetlands and creeks form the backbone of natural spaces across Melbourne, a fact widely understood by local communities who use and experience those places every day. In short, Melbourne’s waterways provide an essential, public good – nature. Proximity to nature is a justice issue, too. Healthy, repaired waterways are a part of that justice,” wrote Bruce Lindsay in an opinion piece.

Bruce Lindsay researches and writes on topics from environmental offsets, water law and native vegetation clearing. As well as his law degree, Bruce holds a PhD in Administrative Law, a BA (Hons) in Political Science & Government, and a Masters of Environmental Science.

Spend less on freeways – and more on waterways

“The question is: can we not reorient the infrastructure model to protection and restoration of waterways? Environmental Justice Australia, a non-profit legal practice, has produced proposals for laws that would establish a major projects authority for ‘green infrastructure’, focused on waterways in Melbourne’s west.

“The model of infrastructure laws and funding for freeways can potentially provide a model for protection, repair and restoration of urban waterways. We need to turn urban streams back into functioning ecosystems.

“It will cost less than millions of tonnes of concrete and provide infinitely more wellbeing for the people of Melbourne,” concluded Bruce Lindsay.

To Learn More:

To read the complete opinion piece by Bruce Lindsay, download a PDF copy of We should spend less on freeways – and more on our waterways