Page 3177 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 20 August 2019
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Being on track to achieve the incredible result of transitioning the ACT to be completely powered by renewable sources of energy by 2020, a focus of this budget is our continued push towards the ambitious target of achieving zero net emissions by 2045. By 2020 we plan to have achieved a 40 per cent reduction in emissions in comparison to our 1990 levels. By 2025 we are striving to reduce this by an additional 10 to 20 per cent.
Unlike the federal coalition government, which drags its heels in the face of the climate crisis, the ACT government has fought to make Canberra a trailblazer in sustainability and environmental protection. Our economy must adapt to combat climate change and achieve a cleaner future, and this budget recognises this need.
In addition to reducing emissions, the climate change strategy and living infrastructure plan also outline how this government will take action to protect and improve our environment to 2025. One measure is the bolstering of Canberra’s tree canopy. Madam Deputy Speaker, while technically it has been covered in an earlier part of the budget, it is worth emphasising again that over the next four years more than 17,000 trees will be planted across Canberra, including, of course, in our electorate of Ginninderra.
A green landscape is worth so much more than its aesthetic value. It is essential to lessening the heat island effect in Canberra’s urban areas. A beautiful and thriving natural landscape is key to making sure that Canberra’s urban areas are kept cool. A lot of Canberra’s charm and beauty comes from our lovely green streets and the way our natural and urban landscapes can blend. We are lucky to live in a lush and livable city.
Transport is also an essential consideration when it comes to sustainability in growing cities like ours. The government has consistently proven itself committed to connecting our community with public transportation that is reliable, comfortable and low in emissions. The integration of 84 new fuel-efficient buses under this budget is central to our continued push for a well-connected and environmentally focused Canberra.
As I have already stated, we are incredibly lucky to live in a city filled with and surrounded by nature. We are dotted with green space and nature reserves. National parkland is on our doorstep. This includes the lower Cotter catchment, which is responsible for most of Canberra’s water supply. Unfortunately, our national parkland and our water supply are under threat, due to the inaction of our neighbouring state. Despite the advice of environmental experts and organisations, the New South Wales government stands by its legislation that prevents feral horses in the Kosciuszko National Park from being culled.
I have spoken before about the environmental devastation that feral horses leave in their wake. To this day they pose a significant threat to the Namadgi National Park and, consequently, to 80 per cent of Canberra’s drinking water and, of course, to our very sacred and sensitive rare species.
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