Hunt outlines Coalition's plans for the environment

Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt yesterday opened the Australian Sustainability Conference, held in Melbourne, in his first public address to the Australian business community since the election.

He said the Coalition government’s vision for the environment “encompasses simple, practical actions targeted to achieve real and measurable outcomes”. These actions rest on four pillars: Clean Air (Direct Action); Clean Land; Clean Water; and Heritage Protection.

The Clean Air policy centres on the abolition of the carbon tax and the implementation of the Direct Action plan. By repealing the carbon tax as of 30 June 2014, Hunt said energy bills will be reduced for both households and businesses. He would not discuss whether the government would call a double dissolution election if it does not receive support to repeal the carbon tax.

Hunt stressed that the government accepts that “climate change is real and we accept that humans are contributing to it”, hence the Direct Action plan. The centrepiece of the plan, he said, is the Emissions Reduction Fund, which will ‘buy back’ abatement via a reverse auction, thus providing incentives for businesses to bring forward the lowest cost abatement opportunities. Where possible, the fund will build on existing architecture like the Carbon Farming Initiative and the Clean Energy Regulator.

The government will be releasing terms of reference for the fund, inviting submissions on what abatement opportunities could be unlocked and on how key features can be best designed. Following this a white paper will be prepared, and the fund is expected to open on 1 July 2014.

The Clean Land policy comprises the Green Army, landcare reform and approvals simplification. The Green Army will eventually see 15,000 young people deployed across Australia to work on local environmental priorities, while the National Landcare Program will recognise the work of local landcare groups with funding allocated at a local level. The third element relates to reducing the regulatory burden by ending duplication in federal, state and local environmental approvals with a one-stop-shop approach.

Clean Water includes the Murray Darling Plan, Water Security and the Reef 2050 plan. The 10-point Murray Darling Plan intends to restore the river system to health while ensuring the viability of Australia’s food producing communities. Water Security will include measures to harness stormwater and new dams to secure water supplies. Under the Reef 2050 plan, a Reef Trust will be set up to improve water quality and coastal habitat along the Great Barrier Reef. $2 million will be made available for Crown of Thorns starfish eradication, while $5 million will protect dugongs and turtles from illegal poaching.

Heritage Protection includes protection for both our natural and cultural heritage. A Community Heritage Grants program will help local communities across Australia tell their stories and showcase their local history. Australia’s heritage icons will also be given further protection.

For more information on the Australian Sustainability Conference, visit www.australiansustainability.com.au.