Mr BONSON - 2007-08-22
Can the minister update the House on the government’s election commitment to establish an environmental hub in Darwin?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Millner for his question. Under Labor, environment protection and environmental issues have been very important. We have nearly tripled our environment protection budget, from $2.2m to more than $6m.
Mr Wood: Are you going to put Dow Chemicals in the middle of the harbour?
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Nelson, cease interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE: We have introduced compulsory reporting of pollution emissions. We have expanded conservation areas, and we have introduced community environment grants. The government is working with Territorians to ensure our unique environment is protected for both current and future generations.
As part of this, at the last election we promised to establish an environment hub at Rapid Creek. Earlier this month, I was delighted that one of my very first tasks as Environment minister was to deliver on this commitment and officially open the hub. The Environment Hub provides community-based environment groups with free office space. It provides a one-stop shop. It provides a way for individuals to access information and support for their environmental concerns - a direct connection with the community action in the areas of the environment.
The groups with a permanent presence at the Environment Hub include: the Top End Aboriginal Conservation Alliance; the Environment Centre; the No Waste Alliance; and PLan, the Planning Action Network. Other community-based organisations which have expressed interest in using the premises for posters and promotional material include: Wildcare; Greening Australia; Save the Darwin Harbour Committee; and the Conservation Volunteers. The government has spent $120 000 for the fit-out of the Environment Hub, and we have committed $90 000 ongoing for the lease of the hub.
The Environment Hub is yet another demonstration of this government’s commitment to the environment, and our active support for the community groups which are advocating and ensuring that government deliver on its election promises in regards to the environment.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Millner for his question. Under Labor, environment protection and environmental issues have been very important. We have nearly tripled our environment protection budget, from $2.2m to more than $6m.
Mr Wood: Are you going to put Dow Chemicals in the middle of the harbour?
Madam SPEAKER: Order! Member for Nelson, cease interjecting.
Ms LAWRIE: We have introduced compulsory reporting of pollution emissions. We have expanded conservation areas, and we have introduced community environment grants. The government is working with Territorians to ensure our unique environment is protected for both current and future generations.
As part of this, at the last election we promised to establish an environment hub at Rapid Creek. Earlier this month, I was delighted that one of my very first tasks as Environment minister was to deliver on this commitment and officially open the hub. The Environment Hub provides community-based environment groups with free office space. It provides a one-stop shop. It provides a way for individuals to access information and support for their environmental concerns - a direct connection with the community action in the areas of the environment.
The groups with a permanent presence at the Environment Hub include: the Top End Aboriginal Conservation Alliance; the Environment Centre; the No Waste Alliance; and PLan, the Planning Action Network. Other community-based organisations which have expressed interest in using the premises for posters and promotional material include: Wildcare; Greening Australia; Save the Darwin Harbour Committee; and the Conservation Volunteers. The government has spent $120 000 for the fit-out of the Environment Hub, and we have committed $90 000 ongoing for the lease of the hub.
The Environment Hub is yet another demonstration of this government’s commitment to the environment, and our active support for the community groups which are advocating and ensuring that government deliver on its election promises in regards to the environment.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016