Page 2139 - Week 06 - Thursday, 8 June 2017
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Although Canberra’s urban areas are rich with trees that are highly valued by the Canberra community for the many benefits they bring, we have long been concerned about the lack of funds to sufficiently maintain this level of trees. We know that trees and other living infrastructure are critical for ameliorating urban temperatures in summer and reducing the heat island effect. We also know that international research shows urban trees have measurable economic value in addition to their environmental value. For example, trees increase property values and lower summer cooling costs. The Greens would like to see increased government investment in urban trees to ensure we continue to address climate change impacts and to maintain our feel as a bush capital.
This is a budget that delivers progressive outcomes for the community. While it is a jointly agreed Labor-Greens budget, the Greens realise that there is still so much more to do. The 2016 ACT Labor-Greens parliamentary agreement lays out a full agenda that will ensure this government continues to deliver sustainability, social equity and community-focused reforms over the four years of this term.
The Greens have a vision of a sustainable Canberra that is driven by the community, for the community, particularly our most vulnerable. We want to ensure that diverse community voices are heard loudly and clearly and that they meaningfully influence decisions that will shape the future of this city.
We are a party of community but also a party of courage. We will be courageous by continuing to build on our wins, from taking action on climate change, making Canberra a world leader in renewable energy and securing record investment in public transport, to improving people’s lives and increasing equity in our community. We are committed to this work, we are ready to meet the challenges and we will always put the community first. We believe this budget takes important steps to deliver that and we are proud to support it.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Bill agreed to in principle.
Reference to Select Committee on Estimates 2017-2018
Motion (by Mr Barr) agreed to:
That the Appropriation Bill 2017-2018 and the Appropriation (Office of the Legislative Assembly) Bill 2017-2018 be referred to the Select Committee on Estimates 2017-2018.
Adjournment
Motion (by Mr Gentleman) agreed to:
That the Assembly do now adjourn.
The Assembly adjourned at 3.51 pm until Tuesday, 1 August, at 10 am.
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