Environmental Law Advice and Litigation Fund

What is this appeal for?

Support the Environmental Defender's Office (ACT) Environmental Law Advice and Litigation Fund

Who is going to defend the Environment?

We can no longer rely upon government to be responsible for the protection of our environment. In the ACT we have witnessed the government sell off precious remnant woodlands of national significance at East O'Malley for development. In 2004 it recalled Parliament especially to enact special legislation to block public appeal rights, and to ensure a four lane freeway is built through prime areas of native bush in Canberra Nature Park. It has spoken many fine words about legislating for sustainability whilst doing little to address greenhouse emissions from our reliance on private car transport.

The ACT government has recently cut all of its funding to EDO ACT. However - given what is going on across Australia and in our region - a full time EDO is necessary. The experience, skill and success of the national network of EDOs in defending the environment suggests it is very worthwhile to scrutinise and challenge the decisions and actions of government and corporations. Our goal is to empower individuals and community groups to use the legal system to protect the environment.

What we are doing...

The EDO in the ACT and the surrounding region considers the following activities as its core functions

Educating members of the community about access to the legal system, the processes established by, and rights under, environmental laws.
Providing actual legal assistance to persons who cannot otherwise afford or obtain such services who are protecting the environment.
Scrutinize and comment on existing and proposed legislation to ensure that legislation considers the effect on the environment and on future generations.

See below for a list of the activities your generous financial support will assist. At present our office is only able to operate two days a week. We all depend on a clean livable environment and the environment needs a fulltime EDO!

We depend on the generosity of the community to support our vital work all over Australia. By supporting our Litigation Fund, and pledging an annual donation, you will be making a practical contribution towards the work undertaken in the ACT and surrounding region.

Key areas of expenditure for funds donated:

Educating and assisting landowners with holdings of high conservation value bushland to preserve that vegetation using conservation agreements and covenants;
Assisting citizens to obtain legal advice and representation to challenge the validity of approvals for environmentally destrutive developments and offensive activities;
Commenting on proposals to alter current environmental laws in the ACT to ensure that current environmental protections and public participation rights are not weakened or removed;
Updating and republishing the EDO ACT plain english Environmental Law Handbook;
Updating the EDO ACT fact sheets.

Is this appeal tax deductible? No

Will I receive a receipt for my donation? Yes, automatically sent to you by email when approved.

There are many ways to donate - select your donation method below

Donate Online

Help to support your community by donating to a community group through our secure online donations service. Donating online ensures 100% of your donation reaches the group of your choice (less 1.228% credit card fee for Visa and Mastercard / less 1.43% card fee for AMEX). Our Community takes no commission or fee for this service.

Donate by Mail

Download a printable donation form to send through the post to:
Po Box 574
CANBERRA CITY ACT 2601

Leave a Bequest

Leave a Bequest to Environmental Defender's Office ACT in your will. Click here for further information.

Contact details for this appeal:
Mr James Prest
Telephone: 02 6247 9420
Email: edoact@edo.org.au

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