The Australian Democrats have described the Government’s environment policy (launched yesterday) as akin to throwing ice cubes at a bushfire.

"Most of the funding promises made yesterday were minimal in annual terms or were re-announcements of previous funding," said Australian Democrats leader, Mike Elliott, today.

"Currently, the EPA does not have the resources to adequately carry out its responsibilities.

"Our national parks do not have the rangers to cope with existing demand. Let alone the future demands from eco-tourism.

"Further, the Native Vegetation Board does not have adequate staff to carry out its responsibilities.

"Yet, the funding announced yesterday is totally inadequate to address these and South Australia’s many other environmental needs.

"And just because a policy is recycled, it doesn’t mean it is environmentally-friendly.

"The promised funding from the sale of Ports Corp is not new money, it is a recycled announcement.

"Neither will people be impressed when they realise that the promised Heritage Trust will be equivalent to little more than $2m a year.

"In the face of such environmental neglect and significant need, this policy is totally inadequate."