With the effects of Climate Change accelerating much faster than predicted, it has become a matter of urgency for Australia to make significant reductions in Greenhouse Gas emissions and to take action to preserve our land, our air, our rivers, our forests, coastlines and oceans, our food sources on land and from the sea and our biodiversity.
Regional Environmental Targets and Action
Although the Federal Government is now in the process of setting Greenhouse Gas targets for 2020, it is at the regional level that rapid progress towards these targets can be achieved and holistic action taken to protect and preserve our physical, social and economic environment.
If we all work together; community and community groups, business, industry, University, government and local government, and set goals, policies, strategies, actions and desired outcomes, our task would be made much easier.
In the Illawarra, we have already seen the NSW Environmental Trust program funding three local government areas of Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama to work together towards a Draft Regional Sustainability Roadmap and Action Plan.
Comprehensive Environmental Education
To bring the community along with this action will need a comprehensive environmental education program which needs to include all sectors – schools, University and the tertiary education, community organizations, government and local government, business and industry, tourism and the general public. Organizations providing this education should be rewarded with appropriate grant funding and some system of credit points for both provider of the education and the consumer.In the Illawarra, we have seen examples of this practical education through such organizations as the Futureworld Eco- Technology Centre which demonstrates and educates regarding environmentally friendly technologies, Hatch Associates which co-ordinates Sustainability Week and provides environmental consultancy to bodies such as BlueScope Steel and Wollongong City Council with their Sustainability in the Home and Business Programs. Federally funded programs such as Bushcare, Landcare and Coastcare are also examples.
Social and Economic Action
Together with the above initiatives there needs to be a gradual reduction in fossil fuel burning and the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies, processes and systems. These will include renewable energies such as solar, wind and wave power as well as energy and water efficiency measures, e.g. widespread adoption of household rainwater tanks and solar hot water systems. Local manufacture of these technologies should be explored and actively encouraged by adequate funding grants and taxation concessions both for the manufacturer and the consumer.
Community and Regional Food Production
All forms of community and regional food production should also be encouraged to lower the cost of food and transport of that food and help create employment. Arable land should not be used for housing and other development.
Sustainable agriculture and irrigation practices need to be implemented widely.
Sustainable Transport, both within and without the Region and alternative fuels will also need to be actively funded and encouraged to mitigate the effects of decreasing oil supply. Public transport and infrastructure needs to be greatly upgraded and funded.
Sustainable building practices
The NSW BASIX system for new homes or similar systems need to be implemented in all States. These systems should be extended to retro fits of existing housing and to apartments, flats and commercial and industrial buildings. New commercial building developments need to be planned, designed and constructed so as to facilitate greater longevity of the structures. Adaptable re-use of the building stock is preferable to the “demolish and rebuild” approach that currently results in so much waste.
Environment and Health
The deterioration in air quality, water and food shortage and rising temperature is leading to an increase in respiratory illness, allergies, heat stress, mental heath stress and vector spread illness. These effects need to be monitored and mitigated.
Conclusion
New regional organizations which represent all interested parties should be established to help implement Federal, State and Regional environmental targets. Specific instructions should be given to establish policies, targets and strategies in all the aforesaid areas and with responsibility to report the results and help ensure appropriate action is taken.
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