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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 7 Hansard (26 June) . . Page.. 2354 ..

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Mr Speaker, while production of A Nature Conservation Strategy for the ACT is an important development in itself, it is but one of a range of significant environmental initiatives taken by the Government with a view to securing a vital and sustainable future for the ACT community. I take this opportunity to point out to members some of the highlights.

Three weeks ago on World Environment Day, I announced a restructuring of the environment functions of the Department of Urban Services. Environment ACT is now established as a new, discrete Agency that brings together all of the key environment areas of the Department. This is an important development that will enhance the delivery of cost-effective environment services in a proactive and cohesive manner. It will also maximise the focus and attention given to environmental management in the lead-up to the passage of new environmental protection legislation.

Improved community access to environmental information and services has been a part of these administrative changes. A special environment helpline (phone number 2079777) has been established for all enquiries related to environmental conservation policy or services. A new Environment Homepage on the Internet has provided an innovative and convenient information source, I am told that enquiries on the Government's homepage (www.act.gov.au) has almost doubled since the Homepage was launched. As from 1 July 1997, Environment ACT will also establish an environment shopfront at Macarthur House, to enable better access by Canberrans to information on their environment.

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