THE CHARTER

A Coalition of community action groups, environmental organisations and local councils whose charter is to protect and preserve significant public lands in public ownership for present and future generations.

PREAMBLE

Significant public land once sold is land lost to the people forever. When governments sell land that is of significance or value to the people, they are also selling our childrens' future. Governments shall not be allowed to act in this way. The public, as represented by community groups, environmental organisations and local councils, being concerned at the alienation of significant public lands, has resolved to come together and form a coalition with the following Charter.

CHARTER

1. Public lands belong to the people.

2. No National, State or Local government or government department or body 'owns' public lands, they are held in trust for the people.

3. All public land that is of significance must remain in public ownership and control.

4. Public land is of significance where it is of environmental, heritage, natural, cultural, social, historic, scientific, aesthetic, ecological, or indigenous value, or is capable at present or in the future of having a value or use the benefit of which to the public outweighs any public benefit from sale or alienation by lease.

5. In relation to public land that is of significance:

(a) no privatisation;
(b) any lease must enhance significance and have public support after due process;
(c) maximisation of public access compatible with significance.
(d) proper protection and conservation;
(e) proper and genuine consultation with the public.