Page 2384 - Week 06 - Thursday, 10 May 2012
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Lack of action in this area is particularly concerning given Pitt & Sherry’s recent finding that the commercial building sector is the ACT’s largest source of emissions. This action is further constrained by the current lack of resources for accurately measuring progress. However, it is promising to see that the government is working to improve this through the development of a whole-of-government reporting system.
A further unfortunate example from category 1 was the commitment to replace the ACTION bus fleet with CNG vehicles. Whilst CNG vehicles generate fewer emissions than regular vehicles, they are less efficient than hybrid vehicles. Performance aside, this measure was well underway before action plan 1. Yet, at the current rate of 70 vehicles replaced in the past 10 years, it would take 50 years to replace the entire fleet.
I turn to category 2, designing and planning our city to be more sustainable. Overall, this category ranked the lowest, an evaluation which is borne out by a finding in the latest state of the environment report on the rapid and in many cases poorly regulated growth of the ACT’s urban footprint over the period of the plan’s implementation.
A success under this section was the commitment to double new homeowners’ financial entitlements to trees and shrubs, which was increased from $110 to $220 in 2008. Whilst a positive achievement, it should be noted that such a measure is relatively soft in terms of its overall contribution to mitigating climate change.
A negative example from this category was the commitment to mandate greenhouse-friendly options for new dwellings. The government not only failed to act on this measure but it actively opposed the Greens’ efforts to phase in energy-efficient hot-water systems in existing homes. They also attempted to block mandatory hot-water efficiency standards for new homes. However, this legislation was eventually passed by the Greens and Liberals in 2010.
The government has also not taken appropriate measures to fulfil its commitment to integrated land use and transport planning. Although a great deal of academic effort has been expended, little practical action has been initiated. The government is currently pursuing 72 per cent of all its development on greenfield sites and urban sprawl—nine per cent in the past four years according to the 2011 state of the environment report—the prioritisation of private car travel continues under existing policies. From 2007 to 2011 the government built approximately 100 times more roads than transit and bus lanes. Consequently, the ACT is now the only Australian jurisdiction to have increased its average private passenger vehicle kilometres and transport currently accounts for almost a quarter of our emissions.
According to category 3, adapting to climate change, a success in this category was the progress made to protect sphagnum bogs. Bogs are highly vulnerable to climate impacts, play a critical role in regulating groundwater and provide habitat for endangered alpine species. Under the plan $50,000 was allocated for restoration and maintenance of these precious natural resources. That said, the funding is due to expire soon and experts report that the current monitoring program is, indeed, under review to ensure that future climate impacts can be managed.
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