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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 1 Hansard (22 February) . . Page.. 230 ..


MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, LAND AND PLANNING

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

QUESTION NO 87

Environment Education Strategy

Mr Wood - asked the Minister for the Environment, Land and Planning -

In relation to the environment education strategy -

(1) When will the strategy as a strategic guide to all sectors of the ACT community be complete.

(2) Where is this document being prepared.

(3) What budget has been allocated to this task, and what agency will have responsibility for promoting the programs developed.

Mr Humphries - the answer to the Member's question is as follows:

(1) Consistent with the Government's emphasis on the delivery of services, an increased emphasis has been given to the production of public education and awareness material addressing specific environmental concerns, rather than the development of a general strategy to improve environmental awareness. This approach is also consistent with national trends to make environmental information and awareness an integral component of ongoing environmental management activities. The Government will consider the need for the development of a formal strategic plan following community consultation regarding the implementation of the integrated environment protection legislation.

(2) The Office of the Environment in the Environment and Land Bureau is responsible for general environment education matters.

(3) Future budget requirements and responsibilities relating to a broadly based environment education strategy will be determined at the appropriate time.

While it is not practicable to separate the costs of the public information and education components of ongoing activities, significant resources are devoted to Environment Division programs which have substantial environment education components. Examples include Waterwatch, community landcare activities and interpretation activities associated with nature reserves and parks. In addition, other areas of the ACT Government Service contribute to environment education. This includes the environment education requirements in school curriculum material provided by the Department of Education and Training and the promotion of recycling by the Waste Management area of the Department of Urban Services.


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