Page 3322 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 12 October 1993
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Another target for the environment of 2020 is to establish the ACT as a model for both the protection of biological diversity and the maintenance of ecological processes and systems. We have already developed draft legislation for the identification, declaration and protection of endangered native species and ecological communities of the ACT. This has been circulated for public comment. Specifically, the Bill proposes the establishment of an expert committee to advise me on the conservation status of native species and ecological communities in the ACT. The Bill also proposes that the Conservator of Wildlife prepare action statements outlining conservation issues and proposed management measures for each declared species, community and threatening process. Part of this package proposes that the Conservator of Wildlife, in consultation with the community, prepare a nature conservation strategy for the ACT. The Government has provided $163,000 for the implementation of the endangered species package of initiatives this financial year.
The management of our water resources, including water quality, is considered a priority. We are making progress towards achieving the 2020 goal of environmentally sustainable systems for water supply, sewage and stormwater management. One particularly important issue for the ACT is water management. It impacts on so many areas. To address this, the Government's approach has been to involve many government departments in the management of water in the ACT. Often one agency will take the lead role on a specific project. For example, in March this year my colleague Terry Connolly launched a process to develop a future water supply strategy for the ACT. This project is managed by ACTEW, and other government agencies are actively involved in its development. A significant feature of the project has been community involvement. Community consultation has focused on the areas of education and awareness, water pricing, water conservation practices and appliances, water supply security and alternative water sources. A draft future water supply strategy is currently being prepared by ACTEW for further community consultation before finalisation of the strategy.
The management of the Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre is a good example of the high standard the ACT has set in managing sewage. The plant is a model of inland sewage treatment and the impact on receiving waters is kept to the lowest practical level. This includes the recent decision to build a bypass dam to contain partially treated sewage being discharged to the Lower Molonglo River in times of exceptionally high flows. I might say that the management of that area since coming under Mr Connolly's control has further improved the control of bypasses. The impact on terrestrial habitats has also been considered during proposed modifications to the plant. For example, negotiations on the construction of the bypass dam, within an area inhabited by an endangered species of legless lizard, resulted in $92,000 being allocated for research on the lizard over a three-year period at the University of Canberra. However, the Government will not be lulled into complacency. There is always room for improvement. The performance of the Lower Molonglo plant is continually monitored, and an environment improvement plan is being finalised which will ensure that the plant meets environmental and social objectives as well as operational objectives.
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