Page 3571 - Week 10 - Wednesday, 18 September 2019
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MS CODY: I move:
Add new paragraph (3)(c):
“(c) calls on the ACT Government to develop sustainability guidelines for the sustainable use of building materials in the ACT, in accordance with the Building Act 2004.”.
Amendment agreed to.
MR GUPTA (Yerrabi) (4.04): I rise to support the motion moved by Ms Bec Cody MLA calling on the ACT government to investigate and promote the use of sustainable building products in both government and private infrastructure projects. As we are all aware, the ACT is quickly expanding, with the fastest growing population in Australia. As our population rapidly grows, the need for more infrastructure also increases. It is our responsibility to ensure that the infrastructure projects which are building the future of our city are safe, sustainable and have a positive impact on the lives of all residents. I am pleased to support this motion proposed by Ms Bec Cody to ensure that the ACT government increases the sustainability of our infrastructure projects through the use of environmentally sensible building material.
As students and businesses across the world this week advocate for increased action on climate change it is important that this motion be discussed in this place today. The threat of climate change on the future of our lives is imminent and undeniable. The ACT government is already an international leader in governmental action towards climate change and we have some of most comprehensive greenhouse gas emission targets and policies in the world. We are already on track to achieving our commitment of 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2020. And this motion will add to our extensive and effective response to climate change.
Sustainable building materials such as wood and bamboo are holistically more environmentally sustainable and, as I mentioned above, will keep the government on track to achieving 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2020. Comparatively speaking, traditionally used building materials such as concrete and steel not only have poor environmental effects in construction but also have detrimental environmental impacts through the manufacturing and transporting of these materials. Wood and other sustainable materials are holistically better for the environment, will have a positive ecological impact and will add to the ACT government’s internationally renowned action against climate change.
Increasing the promotion of used or sustainable material in government and private infrastructure projects will also have other positive benefits on our local natural environment. Forest plantations, which will support the supply of these sustainable materials, will help clean up carbon emissions, with wood products forming part of the carbon cycle. Forests also provide habitat for our flora and fauna as well as providing vital green spaces around the ACT.
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