Page 3347 - Week 11 - Thursday, 22 September 1994
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When finalised later this financial year, the environment strategy will provide a framework for the development, review and revision of a range of strategies and legislation needed for effective environmental management into the next 30 years. For example, Madam Speaker, it sets out the need for development of an environment education strategy, which is, I might add, currently being drafted. It also details the need for greater integration of existing environmental legislation.
With this in mind, the Government is currently reviewing all existing pollution control legislation. Madam Speaker, despite our enviable environment, the Government must continue to work on pollution control. Pollution can so easily creep up on us and become a health and environment problem, as is easily seen in larger cities in this country. Without a positive, proactive and honest approach to this issue, the ACT does risk pollution control problems that can become almost impossible to eradicate. It is only with reviews like this, with an attitude to the environment that develops and changes as our environment does, that we can continue to address these ever-evolving issues.
Madam Speaker, I was very pleased last year when the Minister, Mr Wood, displayed his ongoing commitment to the environment by releasing the discussion paper entitled "Proposal for Integrated Environment Protection Legislation" as a first stage of community consultation on the development of the new legislation. It will replace the Air Pollution Act 1984, the Water Pollution Act 1984, the Noise Control Act 1988, the Pesticides Act 1989, and the Ozone Protection Act 1991. The proposal will develop a framework for legislation which will ensure an integrated approach to environmental management. This new legislation will go a long way to ensuring that our pollution levels are controlled as the population grows and the pressures of urban life in the 1990s and beyond increase.
As I have already stated, there are a number of different Acts dealing with pollution. Separately, these Acts do not achieve what integrated legislation can - that is, guarantee effective environment protection and improved environmental performance as a whole. The Government's approach to integrating the legislation will recognise the relationship between the various parts of the environment as well as the links between environment protection and economic and social development. It will look at different environmental impacts as a whole and not as separate entities. This will ensure the best environment outcomes while minimising the burden on business and industry. This approach will be welcomed by many in the community. Madam Speaker, our urban environment is very important. This approach by the Government is the right one, and it emphasises the responsibilities we all have in ensuring that our urban environment remains acceptable while we continue to enjoy modern life.
Madam Speaker, we are in the unique position of having a capital city which enjoys the most modern technology and living standards while preserving and enjoying our clean environment. This is something we can all value but in no way underestimate. Whilst this Government is committed to a high level of achievement and innovation in environmental management, it is very conscious of the need to maintain accountability to the community for its management of the ACT's valuable natural resources.
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