Page 2457 - Week 07 - Thursday, 27 August 2020

5. ACT GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP (UNDERWAY)

The latest climate projections continue to be used to assess bushfire risks and plans in the ACT. The Environment Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate and Health Directorate supported projects to learn from hazardous smoke conditions during summer 2019-20.

ACT Government staff can access free MyWay cards to use on public transport for work purposes and E-bikes can be salary sacrificed. Many ACT Government Directorates now have e-bike fleets for staff to use for business travel.

Engagement continues with national and international groups including the Cities Power Partnership, Global Covenant of Mayors, Carbon Disclosure Project and Under 2 Coalition.

Transport Canberra and City Services currently have a zero-emissions bus in operation. Transport Canberra and City Services have commenced development of a transition plan to a zero-emissions bus fleet by 2040 with the aid of an expert advisory group.

The ACT Government has installed 50 electric vehicle charging stations to assist with the fleet transition to zero emissions vehicles. 57% of new leases from 1 July 2019 have been zero emissions vehicles.

The ACT Government has now announced a third all-electric school and announced that the new Canberra Hospital extension will be an all-electric facility.

6. WASTE AVOIDANCE AND MANAGEMENT (UNDERWAY)

As at 31 December 2019, 1006 sites were signed to the Actsmart Business program, consisting of ACT Government, Federal Government and private sector businesses. Of these, 708 sites are accredited.

The Actsmart Public Event program assisted 115 events to reduce waste generation and increase recycling between 1 July 2019 to 31 December 2019. Over 413,000 visitors attended these events.

The Actsmart Schools program provides schools with assistance and advice in five focus areas, including waste and recycling. 100% of ACT schools (public, private and independent) are signed to the program.

ACT NoWaste launched the Recycle Right Campaign in July 2019 in collaboration with the regional councils. The media campaign is running on social channels from November 2019 – February 2020.