Page 2202 - Week 06 - Monday, 11 May 2009

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Mr Corbell: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:

(1) I am advised that ActewAGL’s Environment Management Plan (EMP) is approved by the ActewAGL Board and establishes the nine key environmental policy directions for a five-year period. The current EMP is for the period 2005–2010.

I am further advised that ActewAGL notifies ACTEW Corporation of the EMP and the activities and outcomes of the EMP through its directors.

The annual Environment Action Program (EAP) identifies the specific priorities and targets under each of these key directions. The priorities selected are approved by ActewAGL’s executive team and the board’s Environment Management Committee. These priorities are integrated into each divisional business plan and their progress is reported quarterly to both the executive and the board. The final annual report against the EAP forms the basis of the sustainability and environmental sections of the ActewAGL Annual Report.

(2) I understand that for 2007–2008 a total of 39 tasks were identified and that the primary targets of 26 tasks were achieved. All of the remaining tasks are on going or have commenced with significant progress being made towards completion.

Actew—greenhouse gas offsets
(Question No 122)

Mrs Dunne asked the Treasurer, upon notice, on 24 March 2009 (redirected to the Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Water):

(1) In relation to the ACTEW Corporation’s 2007-08 annual report, which options for offsetting greenhouse gas emissions, if any, are regarded as having the potential to be viable and to what extent.

(2) Do the options outlined in part (40) include carbon trading; if so, what financial benefits would accrue and would these benefits be passed on to consumers in lower water prices;

Mr Corbell: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:

(1) The ACT Government committed to voluntarily offset greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from the operations of ACTEW’s Water Security Major Projects (WSMP) in October 2007. To address this commitment, ACTEW has advised that it initiated a strategy in February 2008 to identify GHG footprints, undertake cost effective reduction measures and select appropriate GHG offsets. The principle approach has been to avoid and reduce emissions before pursuing offsets.

To March 2009, I am advised that ACTEW has:

• applied an approach to minimise GHG emissions where cost effective (criteria of less than $40 per T CO2-e);

• committed to a diversified portfolio approach to GHG offset purchases;

• committed to pursue GHG offsets that are real, measurable, permanent, additional and independently verifiable;

• aimed to develop GHG offsets within the ACT region; and


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