Environment

The Brumby Government’s Sustainability Action Statement contains 150 actions to help put our water and energy consumption on a sustainable basis, reduce waste and combat greenhouse gas emissions that lead to climate change. Key initiatives include:

• More Renewable Energy: Victoria will be the first Australian State to legislate a mandatory renewable energy scheme, requiring electricity retailers to buy 10% renewable energy, promoting wind and solar energy
• Plastic Bags: Legislate to enable ban on free single-use bags by 2009
• River Health: Protect 18 rivers from damming and create a new EPA strike force to stop Yarra pollution
• Cut Waste: Increased hazardous waste landfill levies and more industry grants, 250 biggest energy and water users required to cut waste and 12 recycling centers for old paint, batteries, computers etc.

Other achievements include

• The establishment of the Royal Park Wetlands. The wetland provides a home for native flora and fauna but also plays an important environmental role by treating and recycling stormwater.
• Ending cattle grazing in Alpine National Park
• Pioneering mandatory 5 Star water and energy efficiency standards for new homes
• Provided rebates on water saving products to households

More information regarding Our Environment, Our Future is available at www.dse.vic.gov.au