There has never been a more important time to defend the
environment. "The decisions we make today on pollution, threatened species,
forests, heritage and the 'shape' of our cities will have far reaching effects
for us and future generations. Too oftenThere has never
been a more important time to defend the environmentt. "The decisions we make
today on pollution, threatened species, forests, heritage and the 'shape' of
our cities will have far reaching effects for us and future generations. Too
often decisions are not made fairly and the community is left out. Government
authorities won't enforce the law. Protecting the environment is in evervbody's
interest but the law is a maze and legal advice is too expensive for most
people. What can one person do?
The Environmental Defender's Office is a non- profit community legal centre that assists individuals and communitv groups t working to protect the built and natural environment. Any member of the public can get initial, free telephone advice 2.30 to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday from the EDO on a wide variety of subjects. 'Development applications, tree preservation, air, water and noise pollution,forestry, mining, contaminated land, wildlife protection and t environmental impact assessment are all areas in which EDO can help.
The office has assisted many individuals and groups to bring environmental matters before the Land and Environment, Supreme,'Federal and High Courts. Often these are test cases making the laws work for environmental protection.
The office provides advice on legislation, environmental planning, local government, pollution heritage and natural resource law. Lawyers at the office are involved in preparing stronger environmental protection laws and pointing out problems with existing laws. People who have the confidence to participate in environmental decision making can make a great contribution to environmental protection. The EDO has an ongoing community education program to help build the skills and knowledge that people need to feel confident..
It publishes a range of environmental law resources, including IMPACT, a quarterly newsletter on public interest environmental law, and our Environmental Law} Fact Sheets. - The office runs workshops in regional centres promoting community)! participation in environmental law. get some support from the Legal Aid Commission, it is not enough. The demand for our services continues to grow. The EDO is a non- profit organisation that needs your support. Donations, bequests, in- kind support and voluntary services are all welcome. Please complete the form attached and become a friend of the EDO. All Friends of the EDO receive EDO's quarterly magazine, Environmental Defender, which gives you the news behind the issues, without the legal jargon.
Environmental Defender
Suite 82
280 Pitt Street
SYDNEY NSW 9000
Australia
DX 792 Sydney
Tel (09) 2613599 Fax (09) 267 7548
Note: The maps, copyable imagemap files, and .html files that I modified came from The Virtual Tourist collection. John E. Bonine ejohn@igc.apc.org