Australia is in an extinction crisis. We have the worst extinction rate for mammals in the world. In Victoria we've already lost 70 percent of our forests, and 30 percent of species are listed as threatened with extinction. Even our faunal emblem, the Leadbeater's Possum, is critically endangered.
Extinction is forever... but it is not inevitable.
The Victorian government has promised to review the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act. It's over 20 years old, doesn't account for the impacts of global warming, and being listed as 'Threatened' provides no guarantee that any action will be taken.
That's why we are asking you to urgently act now and sign our petition telling Victorian Environment Minister Lily D'Ambrosio you want strong new laws developed which will properly protect nature.
Dear Environment Minister Lily D'Ambrosio,
Subject line: Please protect our threatened species
Victoria is a beautiful and diverse place. The thousands of different plants and animals that call it home are all part of what makes it so special. We used to be described as the 'Garden State'. But this is changing.
I am worried that our weak nature laws are failing to do their key job: protecting our precious species and ecosystems.
Without strong laws in place to help them survive the growing challenges of climate change and habitat loss, Victoria's threatened species won't stand a chance.
I am encouraged by your government's commitment to review the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act, but the state of Victoria's natural environment is in a rapid decline. This is tragic and unacceptable in its own right, but it also harms our society and our economy. I urge you to act on your commitment and show that your government really does value the environment and all that it contains.
In a time when our threatened species face so many challenges, I'm asking you to ensure that your review of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act delivers proper protection for nature that we can depend on for the long-term.
[Your comments]
Regards,
[Your name]
