No. 16 
Budget provides $35m for the Environment
Environment and climate change initiatives are a key feature of the 2009-10 Budget, attracting $34.9 million in new funding, Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Water and Minister for Energy, Simon Corbell, said today.

“This is a substantial and important investment in a range of environmental programs that will support the Government’s existing efforts to tackle climate change, and protect energy and water supplies,” Mr Corbell said.

“The Government has carefully targeted new Budget spending towards initiatives that invest in our community and help build a better city.

“The Government has allocated $19.1 million over four years for important initiatives under the switch your thinking! program.

“As part of this funding, the Government will create a virtual one-stop shop with information for Canberra householders and businesses on ways to reduce their carbon footprints. This one-stop shop will contain information on all the Government’s programs and available rebates,” he said.

This initiative fulfils commitments made through the Labor-Greens Parliamentary Agreement.

Mr Corbell said the Government would also provide $13.9 million over two years for the construction of two new wetland ponds in Dickson and Lyneham.

“The ponds will provide water for irrigation to nearby ovals and sports grounds, reducing demand on potable water for these activities. The ponds will also improve water quality in Sullivans Creek and create habitat, while also improving the appearance of the landscape,” he said.

“This initiative continues the Government’s significant efforts to promote the sustainable reuse of non potable water and also fulfils a commitment in the Parliamentary Agreement with the ACT Greens.

“This Budget demonstrates the ACT Government’s continuing commitment to protecting our environment.”

The Budget also allocates:
•	$483,000 over two years to conduct widespread industry consultation and develop a future waste strategy targeting business, electronic and organic waste;
•	$85,000 to conduct extensive community consultation on the best ways to reduce the use of plastic bags; and
•	$1.3m over four years to help support the work of three environmental organisations – the Canberra Environment and Sustainability Resources Centre, the Canberra Conservation Council and SEE Change ACT.

“We are funding important strategic initiatives that have the potential to significantly improve our environment and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions on an ongoing basis,” Mr Corbell said.

5 May 2009
Media Contact: 	Patrick Cronan 	6205 0401(w)     0432 758 224(m)