Page 3841 - Week 13 - Thursday, 18 October 1990
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
Service and a policy on the Government use of recycled paper - a policy not developed by the Opposition when they were in government - is being developed by the Alliance Government. In addition, a trial of recycled oil is being carried out within the Government fleet and a product made from recycled plastic is being trialled for use as street furniture.
I notice that the Opposition shows no interest in this speech, Mr Deputy Speaker. It demonstrates its interest in recycling and these very good initiatives taken forward by the ACT Government Service.
Mr Stevenson: When you say "the Opposition", could you say "the Labor Party", please?
MR COLLAERY: Yes; I am sorry. I exclude Mr Moore and Mr Stevenson and Mr Wood, of course, who always pays attention. The plastic product was used in the construction of the new Mitchell recycling centre and the upgrading of the Woden and Belconnen recycling centres. There are many other areas where the Alliance Government is aiding the preservation of our environment, but I will mention only one more example.
One of the issues rightly considered by the inquiry into commercial and domestic waste management concerned ways in which the greenhouse effect could be minimised.
Mr Stevenson: I know how it can be minimised. Read the evidence.
MR COLLAERY: One of the gases which contribute to the greenhouse effect is methane. I know Mr Stevenson believes that the greenhouse effect is a vast social conspiracy by certain imperialist elements; but I assure him that the greenhouse effect is adequately documented, at least for the other members of this chamber. Certainly, methane can be a pollutant - - -
Mr Stevenson: I would not disagree, unfortunately. It does not take much to convince some people of anything.
MR DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, Mr Stevenson!
MR COLLAERY: I am sorry, Mr Deputy Speaker. I was talking about pollutants. While methane can be a pollutant, it can also be harnessed as an energy source. As landfill sites are one of the significant sources of methane gas, this Government, in its response, stated that the potential for harnessing methane as an energy source from the landfill sites would be examined. Funds have been set aside for this purpose and some equipment already has been purchased for this study.
The Government's response to the waste management inquiry shows the seriousness with which the Alliance Government responds to environmental issues. I am proud to be part of
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .