Palaszczuk Government committed to a cleaner, greener Queensland

The Palaszczuk Government is demonstrating its commitment to tackling climate change, reducing plastic pollution and protecting the Great Barrier Reef in this year’s Queensland State Budget.

Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said that by funding initiatives and programs that push for positive environmental change, the Government is delivering a budget firmly focused on the future.

“To help transition to a low carbon, clean growth economy, there will be $5.6 million in this coming Budget to help Queensland adapt to the impacts of a changing climate.

“We know climate change is the biggest threat to the Great Barrier Reef, and we’re working hard to address it.

“Funding will be rolled out over four years, and this work is essential as Queensland continues to tackle hotter summers, more frequent natural disasters, and devastating events like coral bleaching.

“This funding comes on top of our investment to protect the Great Barrier Reef, which will increase to a record $330 million over five years in this Budget.

“This will allow us to undertake restoration and conservation actions in the face of climate change, which will help to preserve the Reef for future generations.”

Ms Enoch said funding would also be allocated to help reduce plastic pollution in Queensland.

“A further $2 million in this Budget will go towards the implementation of the Container Refund Scheme this year, as well as the ban on single use plastic bags.

“These major plastic-reducing initiatives are not far away, with the ban on plastic bags coming into effect in less than a month, and Container Refund Scheme coming into effect in November.”

The 2018-19 State Budget also includes funding for the important work that’s part of Queensland’s ongoing environment and conservation programs.

“$2.8 million will be allocated to projects which support a range of environmental and heritage protection activities as part of the Community Sustainability Action program,” Ms Enoch said.

“Our government will also continue with its crocodile population survey, while working to educate people on being Crocwise as part of a $5.8 million crocodile management strategy.

“Additionally, $1.89 million will help us protect environmental and Indigenous cultural heritage values statewide – part of our $12 million Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger Program.

“I’m also proud to announce a further $500,000 will be provided to Indigenous communities through the Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Grant program.

“The projects and activities funded by these programs demonstrate the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to a clearer, greener Queensland,” Ms Enoch said.

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