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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2)
2008-06-05 Daily Xml
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WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (15:06): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Environment and Conservation a question about World Environment Day.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY: World Environment Day is an important global reminder of the need to think globally and act locally in relation to the environment. While the need for environmental action has risen to great prominence within the public consciousness, is it still the responsibility of governments to show leadership on this issue? My question is: will the minister inform the council on what this government has prepared for World Environment Day 2008?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health) (15:07): I thank the honourable member for his question and his ongoing interest in this area. I could say a great deal in response; however, I will try to contain my comments and be brief, as I am mindful of the time.

I am pleased to inform the chamber that a wide range of activities is taking place today to help teach South Australians about the small things that can be done to help save the environment. World Environment Day is celebrated in about 100 countries, and the theme this year is 'Kick the carbon habit.' It is really a chance for South Australia to show its credentials in this area, given that we are leading the nation in addressing climate change.

Our official program began last night, with noted environmentalist Terri Irwin joining staff from the Department for Environment and Heritage at the Ridley Centre for the latest 'Stirring the Possum' forum. The event went extremely well, with hundreds of people attending, and I was lucky enough to be amongst them. It is clear that environmental action is proving to be more popular by the day, and Terri Irwin is a very inspirational speaker.

Those members lucky enough to get some fresh air before today's sitting may have noticed that Rundle Mall is already abuzz with World Environment Day activities, including an interactive science laboratory and a native plant display. The fun-filled display is designed to educate South Australians, young and old, about Australia's original vegetation and native fauna and how they can take this knowledge home and create an environment that is welcoming for local birds and the like.

Of course, many of the great initiatives that come to the fore on World Environment Day are ongoing. In fact, this government leads the nation in many ways in relation to environmental policy. We have set ironclad targets on biodiversity preservation through South Australia's Strategic Plan and other strategies.

This government is protecting more remnant vegetation and proclaiming more parks and reserves than ever before. Not only are we creating five biodiversity corridors through the NatureLinks program that will link remnant vegetation and native fauna across the state, but we are also creating an urban forest of three million trees. The halfway mark was reached on Tuesday, with the assistance of Terri Irwin.

Not only are we working to offset carbon emissions with programs like the three million trees, but we are also reducing our emissions, with government fleet cars moving towards more environmentally friendly fuel options, whilst simultaneously leading the way by investigating renewable energy, including solar and geothermal. We are also leaders in recycling, a major greenhouse gas saver through both kerbside and container collection; and our carbon neutral cabinet plan, announced by the Premier in January, will see this government become the first carbon neutral ministry in the nation, with all our official travel offset with the purchase of carbon credits.

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