Page 2003 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 5 June 1990
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While the regional aspect of environmental protection is a high priority for the Government, the ACT's part in the wider global context is also addressed in the strategy. The Government has already produced a report about the development of an ACT strategy to respond to the greenhouse effect. That report sets out proposals for modifying the impact of associated climate changes and explains the possible effects on the Australian Capital Territory. It is imperative that members of the community have the opportunity to respond to the issues raised and the initiatives proposed in the greenhouse strategy and that they understand fully the urgency and importance of the issue.
In addition to the greenhouse initiatives, the Government is also taking steps to deal with ozone depleting substances. As part of our responsibility as a member of the Australian and New Zealand Environment Council, the Government has begun drafting legislation to regulate the use of ozone depleting substances in the ACT. This legislation will conform with the guidelines set out in the national strategy for ozone protection and will be developed in consultation with affected industries. Development of both these initiatives has been carried out, not in isolation but as part of a comprehensive program for the management of the environment.
I now turn to the second underlying principle that I mentioned: to maintain and enhance the environmental quality of the ACT. Individuals, community and Government must work in partnership. There must be mutual cooperation, where the Government develops policies that reflect the concerns of the community and where the individuals in the community support those policies by complementary changes to their lifestyles. The Government can develop programs and policies and set up a framework for change, but it is ultimately up to each of us to change our habits and ways of life to reduce our impact on the environment. We have a responsibility to ourselves and our community to try to conduct our lives in an environmentally conscious manner.
To enable people to make environmentally responsible decisions and judgments, they must be informed about issues and the environmental consequences of their actions. By providing information and encouraging the adoption of environmentally sound practices, the Government can give members of the community the means to contribute to our environmental quality. A major emphasis in this environmental strategy is on community education. Measures include an environmental education policy for all ACT schools and the continuing direct involvement of government agencies in community education.
The strategy also includes a section that sets out the specific changes that individuals can make in their daily lives to contribute personally to improving the ACT
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