Latest State of the Environment Report highlights significance of environmental projects

Published Friday, 26 October, 2018 at 09:22 AM

Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Minister for Science and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Leeanne Enoch

The Palaszczuk Government’s efforts to protect Queensland’s environment have been highlighted in the latest State of the Environment Report.

The report, which has been launched online today, provides an update on significant trends in Queensland’s environment.

Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch said Queenslanders could find out important information about the state of the environment with the click of a button.  

“The State of the Environment Report is released every two years, and this report’s findings clearly show that the work the Government is doing to protect the environment is more important than ever before,” Ms Enoch said.

“A healthy environment is fundamental to our well-being and is essential for our communities, economy and way of life.

“That is why evidence-based information from reports such as these are vital in guiding our management, programs and policies.”

One of the highlights in the State of the Environment Report includes a finding that one of the biggest threats to Queensland’s vulnerable species is loss of habitat.

“This shows that our strong vegetation management laws are necessary,” Minister Enoch said.

The Report also states marine condition of the Great Barrier Reef had been affected by land management practices and severe weather, and that progress has been made towards meeting water quality targets.

“The evidence in this report also confirms that climate change is the biggest threat to the Great Barrier Reef,” Ms Enoch said.

“This is why we have set strong targets for reducing emissions and renewables, but we need the Federal Government to step up and lead a national strategy to tackle climate change.

“Our emissions targets reflect Queensland’s commitment to play its part in the global effort to address climate change.

“Protecting the Great Barrier Reef is also one of our Advancing Queensland Priorities, and that is why we committed a record $330 million towards water quality and joint field management programs."

In Queensland, 27 extra places were entered on the Queensland Heritage Register between 2016 and 2017.

The Report also shows a large increase in the amount of interstate waste, which Minister Enoch said was proof that Queensland needed a waste levy.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s waste management strategy will stop interstate waste and increase investment in the industry to encourage more recycling and create jobs,” Ms Enoch said.

The State of the Environment Report is now available for Queenslanders to view online.

“The report’s user-friendly digital format makes it easy for Queenslanders to explore the state of Queensland’s environment,” Ms Enoch said.

“It takes people on a visual journey through the state’s environmental assets and also has the ability to provide a regional snapshot.”

The web-based report includes videos, almost 1900 interactive graphics and topic breakdowns to easily guide readers through the report.

To access the report, visit https://www.stateoftheenvironment.des.qld.gov.au/

 

 

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