Page 1899 - Week 05 - Thursday, 6 May 2010
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will get us set on that path. With all the work to do in the climate and energy department, we can only welcome this announcement, but let us also be clear about how little extra this is for such a mammoth task: $2.6 million over four years—that is, $650,000 per annum for the next four years.
The tasks at hand include developing and implementing policies on energy programs, feed-in tariff, the new action plan for climate change, emissions audits on all our government departments and the introduction into the ACT of electric vehicles. I hope that, as the size of the task becomes apparent to the government during the year, next year’s budget might be able to respond to increased need.
A recurring issue as we move into a carbon constrained world is that of equity. Those who are most vulnerable in our society are more likely to be affected by rising electricity prices in a way that is not equitable. While we must make the changes to the electricity market that will drive the bulk of consumers to value electricity in a way that reflects the true cost, we can afford to protect those that we know are most affected by the impacts of climate change and rising energy prices. As I said, we welcome the extension to the energy concessions rebate but energy programs must also target as our very highest priority those vulnerable to energy poverty.
The Greens welcome the $100,000 feasibility study for a Gungahlin shopfront. Again, this is a parliamentary agreement item and, whilst it is not being built yet, it is a step in the right direction and positive news for the people of Gungahlin.
Improved lighting for footpaths and cycle paths is also welcome as an important part of promoting active transport and giving people other transport options.
One particular disappointment is the government’s waste expenditure. There is a real opportunity for us not only to do the right thing environmentally by reducing our waste but also economically. Recycling and waste recovery is an emerging market sector with significant potential for Canberra; so it is particularly disappointing that the government has not moved to address organic waste disposal and reuse and appears to be committing $4.4 million to landfill rather than taking up cheap and easy initiatives such as battery and light globe recycling. This is a clear example of spending that does not save in the future.
On public transport, we welcome the recognition of the need for greater investment in public transport. Hopefully, this is just the first step in the creation of a world-class, affordable, safe, reliable and rapid transport system that creates a viable and effective alternative to cars. The retention and extension of the Redex bus route from Gungahlin through to Fyshwick as a first step in providing the transformation our public transport system needs is particularly welcome. For too long our public bus system has been seen as a cost burden. It is time to see it as a responsible investment. The consolidation of Redex and the investment in park-and-rides to serve our community will improve patronage, timeliness and efficiency across the entire network.
We encourage the government to build further upon the success of the Redex experiment. Gungahlin is not the only part of Canberra that needs and deserves
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