The Greens understand that the proposed car park expansion is a result of the Australian War Memorial's highly contested, $498 million expansion-an expansion that the Greens do not support.
"It's staggering and disappointing that the ACT Government will say they are supportive of the proposed arrangements without first undertaking any environment studies of the nature reserve," ACT Greens Planning spokesperson Caroline Le Couteur said today.
"Canberrans would be dismayed to hear that the Government has acted in this manner, without consultation, and decided - of its own accord - to allow a nature reserve to be cleared for more parking spaces.
"As the Government looks to achieve zero net emissions by 2045 at the latest, it's even more disappointing that the Government is offering in-principle support for new car parks, at the expense of our nature reserves."
In Question Time today, facing questions from Ms Le Couteur, Minister for Roads Chris Steel did not articulate why the Government has decided to fast-track its in-principle support for a new car park without first undertaking the necessary environment and heritage evaluations, or consulting with community.
Statement ends
