Page 906 - Week 03 - Thursday, 10 March 2005
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As no doubt all members are aware, the government’s commitment to delivering a sustainable city is clearly demonstrated by the increased staffing and research capacity that has been assigned to the Office of Sustainability. This includes the home energy and water audit programs and solar hot-water rebate programs. In the bigger picture, as I have just outlined in my ministerial statement, the implementation of the sustainable transport plan, is a clear demonstration of the commitment to a sustainable city—not just the plan itself but the implementation of that plan. Hard dollars are being put in to improve the sustainability of our transport systems. When you consider that energy use in motor vehicles is second only to energy use in dwellings as the key contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Canberra, it is clear that the government is putting its money where its mouth is. Further, there is a continued balance that has been achieved between land for biodiversity conservation and housing development. During its first term the government has added over 1,460 hectares to reserves to protect biological diversity in Canberra—the highest amount of land set aside for nature conservation in the history of self-government.
The spatial plan itself identifies the need for more compact urban form for our city to reduce urban sprawl and the impact of the metropolitan area on our immediate region. The ACT, above all other jurisdictions, can also contribute to sustainable urban design through the leasehold system. This system allows the government to control the rate of release of land, integrate new estates and coordinate where new and emerging estates can be developed, thus assisting the development of a sustainable urban form.
The introduction of mandatory sustainability targets or benchmarks for urban development is a complex matter. Many of the factors that impact on the sustainability of the urban environment cannot be fixed simply by introducing targets and benchmarks. Indeed, many sustainable factors relate solely to an individual’s behaviour and preferences. The government cannot outlaw airconditioners and private vehicles simply because opening windows or catching buses is more sustainable. We can, however, encourage people through education and financial incentives to move towards sustainable choices, along with regulating to make those standards the norm.
Improving the sustainability of the urban environment needs a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. The government, through its rebate schemes on water tanks and solar hot-water systems, is adopting one of many approaches. Improving access to information and education for the community is another means to assist in achieving sustainability. One example of this is access to information on how to improve the water efficiency of gardens by utilising the most efficient method of watering, mulch and native plant species, thus reducing water consumption.
National standards and codes are another means of enhancing sustainability and improving environmental performance. The Building Code of Australia—the BCA—for example, contains standards relating to energy efficiency. The government has always been quick to adopt national standards. In 2006 the BCA will raise the current standard for energy efficiency from four stars to five stars for residential dwellings and the ACT, consistent with our election commitment, plans to introduce its requirements at that time.
The Building Code Board is also focusing on developing construction standards for improved environmental performance in the areas of energy and water efficiency, use of
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