Page 3180 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 20 August 2019
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visitors and learning centre in Throsby. This will see the growth of more jobs in the area, which is fundamental considering the expansion of the Yerrabi electorate. This new state-of-the-art centre will showcase the innovation, conservation and restoration work in the city and will provide a hub for ecotourism, research, community engagement and education opportunities. It will also raise awareness about some of the endangered Australian species that the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust aims to protect.
The 2019-20 budget continues to encourage local Canberrans to take part in various environmental initiatives under the ACT environmental grants program. I am proud of the level of passion and commitment that so many Canberrans have when it comes to looking after our local environment. I believe that these efforts deserve recognition. I was excited to see a significant increase in grant applications for various environmental initiatives.
I have seen firsthand the positive impact that supporting grassroots environmental efforts can have on the local community. In my own electorate of Yerrabi, the Giralang-Kaleen’s Men’s Shed was allocated $2,500 in grants funding to build nesting boxes at Yerrabi pond. These nesting boxes will encourage the improvement of our valued ecosystem and commitment to conservation, while also improving the health and wellbeing of members.
This budget seeks to protect and enhance the quality of our natural environment by funding weed and pest control initiatives. I have had the pleasure of working alongside groups such as at the North Mitchell Grasslands. I am pleased to see such groups being supported in their efforts to maintain these valuable areas.
The ACT government is determined to lead the transition to a zero emissions future. We are on track to meet our 100 per cent renewable electricity target by 2020, which has been made possible through initiatives such as our climate change and living infrastructure plans. These plans develop tangible policies that will support our vision for renewable electricity and significantly reduce emissions.
To reach our target for meeting zero net emissions, the ACT government has introduced several key actions that will continue to be implemented. We have further consolidated our commitment to zero net emissions by continuing to administer and expand the scope of the energy efficiency improvement scheme. This scheme ensures that electricity retailers achieve energy savings in households and places a target on them to ensure that a portion of the savings generated are delivered to low-income households.
This budget highlights this government’s continuous commitment to ensuring that environmentalism and good urban planning remain priorities as we undergo a period of significant growth. I am pleased to support the 2019-20 budget initiatives that will improve Canberra’s environment and help us achieve a sustainable future.
MS BERRY (Ginninderra—Deputy Chief Minister, Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development, Minister for Housing and Suburban Development, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Minister for Sport and
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