2020-02-13
Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability Shane Rattenbury has today welcomed recommendations and actions made in the 2019 ACT State of Environment report that will assist in providing better environmental outcomes for the ACT.
The four-yearly report, which was provided by the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment, Professor Kate Auty, includes an assessment of the state and trends of the environment, the pressures on it and their impacts, as well as the effectiveness of current management initiatives that are in place.
The report assessed 26 core indicators across 7 themes (climate change, human settlements, air, land, biodiversity, water and fire) and includes a dedicated chapter on Indigenous heritage and environmental issues.
“The science is clear, we are in a climate emergency and strong, informed decision making is vital to reducing, and adapting to, the impacts of climate change,” Minister Rattenbury said today.
“The 35 formal recommendations made in the Commissioner’s report will assist the ACT Government to make strategic and practical decisions and continue our reputation as a leader in sustainability and climate action.
“In addition to formal recommendations, 42 key actions across the 7 themes will assist with ongoing environmental management.
“Making bold decisions has helped the ACT to achieve 100% renewable electricity and will help us to achieve our longer-term goal of 100% zero net emissions by 2045.
“The recommendations and actions in the report also complement the major environmental policies the ACT Government has achieved in the last 5 years such as the ACT Climate Change Strategy, Canberra Living Infrastructure Plan, ACT Planning Strategy and Canberra Nature Park Management Plan.
“I thank Professor Auty and her team for the work in this significant report. It is of great value to the Government and to contains interesting and relevant information for the broader ACT community.”
The ACT Government will prepare a response to the recommendations made in the report, to be released later in the year.
Both the full 2019 ACT State of the Environment report, and summary, can be downloaded under strict embargo at the following link: bit.ly/StateofEnvironment2020.