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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 1 Hansard (20 February) . . Page.. 316 ..

MRS CARNELL (continuing):

. the recently established Supplier Development Committee to assist businesses and industry in the Canberra Region to enhance their opportunities to compete for government contracts by sharing information on procurement and industry development policies. The committee is made up of senior representatives from ACT and Federal Government, and the business community;

. conducting targeted research into key industries such as the High Technology Report released late last year that identified a number of factors seen as impediments to growth. Another industry study is planned for early this year;

. maintaining links with key industry associations, including the Canberra Business Council, Confederation of ACT Industry, ACT Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and

. pursuing major construction initiatives including the upgrade of the Canberra Airport and the installation of the Very High Speed Rail Service from Sydney to Canberra, both of which will have flow on benefits for businesses within Canberra and the surrounding communities.

(6) The ACT government has a policy of targeting those industries that have no negative impact on the environment. Given its high environmental standards and bushlands integrated in the urban setting, Canberra continues to be one of the most attractive and clean cities in the world. A significant proportion of jobs created during 1996/97 will be in service industries, high technology industries, research and development industries and education all of which are considered to be "green" industries.

The government is adopting a more integrated and strategic approach to environmental management through the Canberra: A Capital Future report and the ACT and Sub-region Planning Strategy. Each of these strategies are founded on ecologically sustainable development principles, ensuring that economic, environmental, social and equity considerations are fully integrated.

A number of initiatives relating to environmental industries have been undertaken by the Business Bureau of the Department of Business, the Arts, Sport and Tourism. These include:

. representation and input into the work of the Environment Industries Taskforce of the Canberra Business Council;

. support and assistance to `green industry' can be provided under the ACT Business Incentive Scheme (ACTBIS), and the Business Development Fund. These schemes provide ACT businesses with incentives (tax concessions, provision of land, financial grants, and workforce development assistance, and other assistance on a case-by-case basis). Business involving recycling activities is one of the selected industries that may qualify for a direct land grant under the ACTBIS.

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