Minister Says Critic Misinformed About Shoreline Protection Efforts

The Minister of Environment and Conservation, the Honourable Terry French, today responded to allegations by the member for the third party George Murphy in a July 24 news release that the Provincial Government isn’t doing enough to protect the province’s shorelines and riverbanks from development pressures.

“Crown land is a valuable resource in Newfoundland and Labrador, and we place great emphasis on managing it appropriately,” said Minister French. “A hallmark of the provincial Lands Act is its focus on ensuring that any entitlement to a piece of Crown land around and adjoining a shoreline is only issued under specific circumstances. While we are constantly enhancing our enforcement efforts against illegal occupation of Crown land, it is impossible for our officials to be in all places at all times. However, if a matter is brought to our attention, such as was the case in Humber Valley cited by Mr. Murphy, we take the necessary measures to address the situation. In this specific case, before a title would even be considered, the matter has to go through our environmental assessment process.”

In the case of the second allegation made by Mr. Murphy, Minister French stated it is irresponsible for an individual in public life to mislead the general public and make statements without the facts, given officials with the Department of Environment and Conservation have confirmed that no clearing of Crown land for a development is underway near Ragged Beach in Witless Bay.

“I suggest that Mr. Murphy do the appropriate research before making allegations such as this concerning the clearing of Ragged Beach for a potential subdivision,” said Minister French. “Our Crown lands division has not accepted an application for development near Ragged Beach. Residential subdivision developments are not permitted on the 15-metre Crown land shoreline reservation. Furthermore, we have confirmed that no clearing of Crown land is underway, as Mr. Murphy stated. Such off-the-cuff remarks concern me greatly from an elected official.”

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Media contact:
Melony O’Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca

2012 07 25                           3:50 p.m.