Page 1357 - Week 05 - Thursday, 26 April 1990
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initiatives that the Government is developing in the energy conservation field.
The terms of reference of the committee are to inquire into and report on an integrated energy resources and environment policy for the ACT with particular reference to: the use of emission standards for wood-burning stoves, integrated with management of plantations of pine and native species; housing design standards to conserve energy; the environmental impact of current energy use in the ACT and the environmental impact of alternative proposals for balanced energy use; and the environmental impact of energy use aspects of urban planning and transportation.
Mr Deputy Speaker, the Government believes that it is important to have consensus across the community on the range of issues that are involved in such an inquiry. The committee has received a number of submissions and I expect it to be reporting in the near future. It is therefore essential that the community interest, expressed through input into such committee inquiries and feedback on government strategies, is taken into account by the Government. If we can put forward initiatives that involve the community, we can harness community concerns and ensure that our initiatives are implemented effectively and successfully.
The work that has been undertaken for the ACT in dealing with the greenhouse effect problem fits in well with the national initiatives in which we are involved. The Australian and New Zealand Environment Council members are currently preparing a national greenhouse strategy document and the ACT has been involved in this. The report will provide a useful basis for consultation, discussion and decision making for national initiatives to respond to the greenhouse effect.
The approach taken acknowledges the important role of a number of key stakeholders, of which the ACT is one. It also takes into account the international context, especially the Pacific region, and links in with the strategy being produced in New Zealand. Ultimately, strategies to respond to the greenhouse effect will only work if they are adopted on a global level. However, we can all start to become more aware of issues surrounding the greenhouse effect and modify our lifestyles to limit the level of gas emissions.
The Alliance Government is involved in a number of initiatives to develop greenhouse strategies and I will keep the Assembly informed of progress. As I have stated, initiatives such as the greenhouse strategy are but one of a range of responses to environmental issues that the Government is tackling. The community needs to be confident that the Government is committed to conserving and, where possible, enhancing the current high quality of the ACT's environment. Responses that we are developing
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