Page 74 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 13 February 1990
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Planning legislation is a very important priority as the Government moves to provide an effective, open and fair framework for the Territory's future development. However, the environmental issues we face as a community are far broader than the Territory plan. Last week I attended a conference in Canberra where these issues were discussed at some length. It was a very interesting activity and I commend the papers - when they are produced from that conference - to the members both on our side and also opposite as well. I am sure that the Leader of the Opposition who now finds herself responsible for environment, although it was not included on her statement dated 14 January, will find those particular remarks made during that conference most edifying, since she has now clearly added that to her list.
One of the Alliance's first priorities was to address the range of environmental issues which confront the ACT both locally and as members of the wider population. These environmental issues include important local problems: the need for safeguarding the community from toxic waste; and developing recycling and waste management strategies for the Territory. We await with interest the final report of the standing committee that is looking into that issue. That will provide some basis for the Government to work out and develop its final policies in that area. Protection of our native forests is another important aspect, as is the protection of urban areas within our city.
At another level, we have to fulfil national and global responsibilities, to address global issues such as ozone depletion and the greenhouse effect. In January the Alliance policy on the environment was released, an important first step in this process. Following the release of the policy the Government is now working to develop a blueprint for the implementation of its policies in this area over the next five years. The blueprint will be released for public comment during the autumn session. Other priorities will include early action to ban ozone depleting substances in line with our national responsibilities as a member of the Australian New Zealand Environment Council. This is a commitment that I understand was made by the previous Government and one which, of course, we will be honouring.
As part of these national responsibilities, we will be continuing the development of a greenhouse strategy for the ACT, a process that I know was in place even prior to the introduction of self-government to the ACT. We will be developing strategies on sustainable development and energy use to enable us to continue to achieve the twin goals of maintaining and enhancing our local environment while also supporting the continuing viability of the local economy. I believe that in confronting environmental issues there is a growing level of community recognition and consensus. In this city our policies on planning, heritage and the environment are of major importance because of the value that we as a community place on the qualities of the city
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