Federal Election Howard's Environmental Policy; Green solution 'must suit economy'
Copyright 2001 The Advertiser
November 2, 2001
By Political Reporter SAMANTHA MAIDEN in Melbourne
SALINITY and water quality were the centrepiece of the Coalition's $1 billion third term agenda for the environment, Prime Minister John Howard said yesterday.
But he warned long-term solutions were required to tackle the ravages of salinity which "could take years" to repair.
Launching the Liberal Party's policy in Victoria's Yarra Valley, Mr Howard pledged no new funding for the environment but announced details of how the $1 billion Natural Heritage Trust funding would be spent over the next five years. Despite Labor's pledge to ratify the Kyoto Protocol on climate change, Mr Howard warned any agreement would require the support of the US and developing countries.
He warned environment issues had to be balanced against the benefits of a growing economy.
Mr Howard said $350 million, a third of the Trust's budget, would be dedicated to salinity and water quality.
"It is a lamentable reality that, unless we do something about water quality, in 10 years' time drinking water for the people of Adelaide will not be fit for human consumption," he said.
Under the Liberal's policy, a committee of senior Cabinet ministers would be established to develop a "whole of government approach" to environmental sustainability.
Mr Howard said the committee would also draw on the opinions of environmental experts and community groups.
The National Heritage Trust's 23 programs would also be simplified to four project areas:
LANDCARE - reversing land degradation and promoting sustainable agriculture.
BUSHCARE - restoring and conserving habitat for native flora.
RIVERCARE - improving water quality and flows.
COASTCARE - protecting catchments, ecosystems and the marine environment.
Mr Howard said the Coalition was not interested in development at any cost. However, the interests of the environment did have to be balanced against a growing economy.
"Everybody now believes passionately that we ought to aspire to having both a growing economy and also a willingness to nurture and care for our environment," he said.
Retired motor racing legend Peter Brock attended the launch.
"They used to say that Yarra of course was the river that flowed upside down," he said.
"But we're going to change that. It's going to be so clear that when they do that waterskiing down in Melbourne they're going to look and say 'wow', look at that water."
Environment Minister Robert Hill said the Natural Heritage Trust would also fund 29 million seedlings, protect and re-generate 480,000 ha to conserve native species, and erect 19,000km of protective fencing.
PROMISES PROMISES
* Support introduction of Murray-Darling Basin Cap to give the river "breathing space".
* Provide $75 million to deliver an additional 70 gigalitres for environmental flows.
* Implement plans to manage water quality and riverine ecosystem health.