Funding Increase to Help EPA Meet Environmental Challenges

A 23% budget increase will help the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) meet the growing environmental challenges faced by Queensland, Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Andrew McNamara said today.

Mr McNamara said the 2008-09 EPA budget of $411 million will bolster the EPA’s capacity to manage climate change and protect the environment.

“Queensland is faced with significant challenges which are symptomatic of a growing population consuming more land, more energy and more water, while generating more waste,” Mr McNamara said.

“That can have a significant impact on the natural systems that support life.

“The community rightly expects Government to ensure that we have a clean environment in which to live and to take the lead in managing climate change.

“That is exactly what the Government is doing with this year’s Budget.”

The key initiatives include:
• up to $30 million for new climate change initiatives from the Queensland Climate Change Fund;
• a review of Queensland’s climate change strategy – ClimateSmart 2050 – to ensure the State’s response to climate change takes into account community views and concerns as well as significant new scientific evidence;
• coordination of the Government’s response to Queensland’s vulnerability to rising oil prices;
• the development of ecoFundQ to meet environmental offset obligations and to meet the current demand for voluntary carbon offsets;
• increase the area of gazetted nature refuges by 15% to 750,000 hectares;
• employment of 60 additional staff to increase the EPA’s capacity and ability to monitor and investigate activities which have the potential to harm the environment.

In 2008-09, the Environmental Protection Agency will build on a number of major projects implemented in the past financial year including:
• intensive air quality monitoring programs in Townsville, Gladstone and Mt Isa
• allocate 1,000 grid-connected solar power systems to Queensland households under the Solar Homes Program
• finalisation of the Moreton Bay Marine Park review to protect the marine park’s biodiversity and unique values with a higher level of protection for particularly;
• opening of the $10 million Ma:Mu Canopy Walkway at Innisfail;
• continuation of the EPA’s land acquisition program including the Daintree Rescue Package and South East Queensland Rainforest Package;
• installation of recycling facilities at major sporting stadiums and shopping centres, preventing an expected 20,000 tonnes of recyclable material going into landfill.

“The EPA will also be leading by example by making the Agency carbon neutral to help minimise the impact of climate change,” Mr McNamara said.

“At the same time, the EPA will continue to encourage business and industry to adopt eco-efficient technologies and practices through its ecoBiz rebate program and the Queensland Sustainable Energy Innovation Fund.

“Climate change and protection of the environment remain a high priority of the Queensland Government.

“This budget will ensure the EPA provides leadership and environmentally sustainable solutions by managing long-term environmental challenges to ensure a sustainable future for all Queenslanders.”

Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004