Page 267 - Week 01 - Thursday, 14 February 2019
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organic waste from landfill and to explore treatment options such as composting and anaerobic digestion.
Industry emissions in the greenhouse gas inventory entirely comprise synthetic gases used in refrigerants and are taken from the national greenhouse and energy reporting system. Emissions have increased significantly as a result of an upward revision of estimates of synthetic gas emissions in the ACT contained in the national greenhouse gas inventory. Estimated emissions from this source accounted for eight per cent of total emissions. These emissions are attributed proportionately to the ACT from an aggregate New South Wales supply and, whilst they may not truly reflect emissions from this source in the ACT, it is the most reputable estimate that can be provided.
Finally, emissions from both land use change and agriculture are small and have shown little change year on year. Through the 2017-18 period land use change constituted a net sink, essentially meaning that land clearing activities in the ACT are less than revegetation efforts.
The ACT released a “living infrastructure” information paper in early 2018 that highlighted the importance of trees, open spaces with grass, and ponds in adapting to climate change. Some living infrastructure can operate as a carbon sink, and helps the city to adapt to the extremes of climate change by providing shade or other cooling effects.
Before concluding I want to note that the ACT is a leader just through its ability to provide an inventory for the most recent financial year. The Australian government inventory, and all other state inventories, are still compiled two years in arrears. This is a testament to our commitment for accurate and timely reporting and monitoring towards our greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.
By doing this we are ensuring greater transparency and accountability in emissions reporting, and we will have a substantially better understanding of the immediate effects of our mitigation actions and progress. This latest inventory is also compiled using best practice methodology.
As we approach our interim target date of 2020, the government continues to seek out new ways to achieve our long-term goals. I will soon be releasing the ACT climate change strategy and action plan 2019-25, and the ACT living infrastructure plan. These will include new actions to continue us on our path towards zero emissions. This inventory shows we have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. I commend the report to the Assembly.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body 2018
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella—Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Minister for Planning and Land Management, Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Minister assisting the Chief Minister on Advanced Technology and Space Industries) (3.16): Pursuant to standing order 211, I move:
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