PMS 1615
C: 0.0 M: 56.0 Y: 100.0 K: 43.0
PMS 397
C: 11.5 M: 0.0 Y: 100.0 K: 11.5
PMS 632
C: 76.0 M: 0.0 Y: 15.0 K: 11.5
EnviroWatch: Two years in… An audit of the Baillieu Government’s delivery of its election promises on the environment November 2012
2
ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2012: TWO YEARS IN
EnviroWatch: Two years in… An audit of the Baillieu Government’s delivery of its election promises on the environment November 2012 This report audits the Baillieu Government’s progress on implementing the Victorian Coalition 2010 election promises on our environment. This report was compiled in November 2012 – two years after the 2010 Victorian election. An updated audit will be compiled each year on the anniversary of the Victorian election. This report was compiled by Environment Victoria, the state’s leading, independent environment group. Environment Victoria is non-partisan and this report is not an endorsement of the Victorian Coalition’s election promises.
EnviroWatch 2012: Two years in is published by Environment Victoria. Level 2, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053 Tel: (03) 9341 8100 Fax: (03) 9341 8199 www.environmentvictoria.org.au Environment Victoria mobilises people to safeguard our environment. As the state’s leading non‐profit environment group, we believe our future depends on all Victorians. That’s why we’re asking all 5 million of us to be part of looking after our environment. So what do you say? Are you in? Visit www.environmentvictoria.org.au today. Authorised by Kelly O’Shanassy, CEO, Environment Victoria © Environment Victoria 2012 Copies of this report are available at www.environmentvictoria.org.au/envirowatch Cover image: Powerful owl
3
ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2012: TWO YEARS IN
Introduction Methodology The Baillieu Government is responsible for ensuring a healthy environment for all Victorians to enjoy. The decisions they make today will create a legacy for Victorians into the future. The state government makes decisions on whether to approve renewable energy power stations or a new coal plant. Whether to dig a new landfill or instead to encourage a recycling facility. Whether to build a road or a railway line. They make the regulations that can either provide water to our precious rivers or bleed them dry. And they hold the power to unlock new green jobs or maintain our reliance on outdated and polluting technologies. They are the stewards of our environment.
The Victorian Coalition did not release an environment or climate change policy platform prior to the 2010 Victorian election, despite publicly promising to do so on numerous occasions. However, a list of the Victorian Coalition’s significanti environment commitments made via the Coalition’s public statements, and via the policies the Coalition did release, was collated by Environment Victoria immediately following the election. This list was provided to the Baillieu Government following the election. It is these promises that are assessed in this report card. Significant additional actions taken by the Baillieu Government since its election that were not promised prior to the election are also highlighted in this report card.
The Baillieu Government was elected at the most critical time in history for our environment. There has never been a more important time for strong environmental leadership from our elected officials.
Environment Victoria assessed the delivery of each promise based on publicly available information. The following is a description of the assessment methodology:
For 40 years Environment Victoria has held state governments of all political stripes to account for their environmental decisions. We hope that by doing this and providing ideas for a clean, sustainable Victoria, we will encourage the government to take action for, not against our environment.
Promise status Delivered Partial delivery Not delivered Broken promise Backwards step
The assessment was forwarded to the Baillieu Government on 12 November 2012, to provide any comment or additional detail on commitments where there was no information in the public domain. A response was received from the Minister for Environment and Climate Change on Thursday 22 November which has helped inform this assessment. Responses were not received from the Ministers for Energy and Resources, Water or Planning, so assessments on policies within these portfolios is ours alone.
Forwards step
Description The promise has been delivered in full by the Baillieu Government The promise has been partially delivered. There is no publically available information to suggest work has commenced on the promise Promises that have been dropped or broken by the Baillieu Government Actions taken that were not promised but that will harm rather than help our environment Actions taken that were not promised but that will help our environment
4
ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2012: TWO YEARS IN Commitment
Delivery status
Delivered?
Water and rivers 1.
Establish a Ministerial Advisory Council to report within 100 days of taking office on the planning, regulation, pricing, legislative changes and management required to improve the sustainability of Victoria’s water use.
The Living Victoria Task Force delivered a broad road map to improve water sustainability. In April 2012, they released an Implementation Plan containing ii specific recommendations for reform. The Government has responded to the Implementation Plan and established the Office of Living Victoria, but has not yet committed to fully implementing all of their recommendations.
Delivered
2.
Improve water pricing to increase financial rewards for water conservation efforts by making consumption account for 60%, rather than 30% of bill prices.
No visible progress. The Government’s response to the Living Melbourne, Living Victoria Implementation Plan committed to “changing the Water Industry Regulatory Order to give greater tariff choice for water customers and to make developer charges more cost-reflective.” However, this does not appear to include this change.
Not delivered
3.
Establish a $50 million fund over 4 years to promote water sensitive urban design including a $5 million Green Roofs program.
Funding provided in the 2011-12 budget for next 4 years. No visible progress beyond that.
Partial delivery
4.
Increase water efficiency rebates by $40 million and extend rebates to new products and small business.
Rebates were increased to $40 million, but not by $40 million. New products added were pool covers and washing machines. Rebates were also extended to small iii iv business. Rebates have now been expanded and extended to 2015.
Delivered
5.
All government major projects will require rainwater capture and reuse.
No visible progress. Some government major projects have included rainwater capture and reuse, but there is no evidence of a consistent or mandatory v requirement for this to be the case.
Not delivered
6.
Phase-out Melbourne’s reliance on the north-south pipeline by diverting Melbourne’s share of water (when not needed) to meet the requirements of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
Water delivery to Melbourne via the pipeline stopped in Spring, 2010. On November 15 2011 Minister Walsh announced that water retailers could sell their pipeline allocation, breaking the promise that this water would be used to deliver environmental commitments in northern Victoria.
Broken promise
7.
Honour ALP Government commitments to deliver additional environmental flows in the Yarra, Thomson, Murray and Snowy Rivers.
Confirmation of additional 8 GL for Thomson River in 2012 through Gippsland Sustainable Water Strategy which will see ALP’s 18 GL environmental entitlement commitment met (though actual flows not necessarily delivered). ALP promised 20 GL environmental entitlement for Yarra, now have 17 GL entitlement, no discernible plan to deliver extra 3 GL. For Living Murray have had 202GL of promised 214 GL recovered. Snowy 282 GL target for 2012 looks like being met through entitlements (though only 84GL has actually been released into the Snowy
Partial delivery
5
ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2012: TWO YEARS IN to date). 8.
Allocate $10 million to improve health of Gippsland Lakes.
The Baillieu Government has established a $10 million Gippsland Lakes Environmental Fund, to support eight different projects in the region to monitor vi the health of the Lakes and support their restoration to health. However, these are unlikely to make a significant difference to the health of the Lakes, because the Gippsland Lakes Ministerial Advisory Committee has a focus on recreational fishing and tourism, not the key issues affecting the lakes which are reduced freshwater inflows and increasing sea water intrusion through dredging at Lakes Entrance.
Delivered
9.
Substitute recycled water, rainwater and stormwater for Melbourne’s potable water supplies by 110 billion litres by 2015 and 200 billion litres by 2030.
No significant visible progress.
Not delivered
vii
10. Close the Gunnamatta outfall in their second term of parliament.
No significant visible progress.
Not delivered
11. Ensure water entitlements held by the Environmental Water Holder are treated the same as other entitlement holders, and that the environment has the same rights as other users.
Victorian Environmental Water Holder established July 2011 to manage environmental entitlements. These entitlements are subject to the same conditions as other entitlements, but comprise only a small proportion of the Environmental Water Reserve. Three Commissioners to the Environmental Water Holder were also established.
Delivered
12. Ensure the independently audited savings from stage one of the Northern Victorian Irrigation Renewal Program (NVIRP) that are intended for the environment are placed in the control of the Environmental Water Holder.
No water shares have yet been allocated against NVIRP water savings. Environmental Water Holder currently receives supply by agreement.
Partial delivery
13. Deliver a new set of minimum standards to make best practice water use mandatory for all new developments and redevelopments
The Living Melbourne, Living Victoria Implementation Plan committed to change building and planning controls to mandate minimum water cycle performance viii standards for the construction of all new and renovated buildings. However, the Government response appeared to only partially accept this recommendation, stating that the Office of Living Victoria would be established to prepare a Regulatory Impact Statement for building controls for new buildings only. To date there has been no publicly visible action to actually implement this commitment.
Not delivered
14. Encourage builders of new private buildings, and occupants of existing private buildings, to use water efficiently.
No change to existing water efficiency regulations for buildings. Rebates provide some incentive but have been assessed elsewhere in this report.
Not delivered
6
ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2012: TWO YEARS IN The following election commitments may cause significant environmental damage: 15. Will not support the guide to the Murray Darling Basin Plan (MDBP).
The Baillieu Government has consistently called for the current MDBP process to be delayed and for irrigator interests to be paramount.
Backwards step
16. Will not regulate to implement any MDBP recommendations earlier than 2019.
In response to campaigning from the Victorian Government, Commonwealth government and Basin states have agreed that Sustainable Diversion Limits will not come into force until 2019, weakening the Basin Plan.
Backwards step
17. Fund feasibility studies for a possible dam for the Lindenow Valley on the Mitchell River and for expanded dams at Lake William Hovell and Lake Buffalo.
Has invested $1 million in Lindenow Valley Water Security Project to investigate ix water storage options. Has committed $500,000 for a study into a dam at Lake x Buffalo and Lake William Hovell, but to date does not appear to have provided any xi money in the budget to actually undertake these studies.
Backwards step
18. Scrap water restrictions by 2012 regardless of status of water storages.
The Minister has released new Model Water Restriction By-Laws; however, no action to scrap all restrictions appears has been taken, which is positive if it xii suggests a rethink. Water restrictions have, however, been significantly eased across much of Victoria.
Backwards step
Delivery status
Delivered?
19. Direct the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission to inquire into and report on the design of a market-based gross feed-in tariff scheme for renewable energy.
VCEC did undertake and complete an inquiry into feed-in tariff arrangements which xiii included an assessment of market-based gross feed-in tariff schemes. However, the focus of the inquiry was on whether existing net feed-in tariffs should be continued or phased out, not whether they should be expanded into a gross feedin tariff scheme. Further, the Government undermined this inquiry and their election promise to “Strongly support feed-in tariffs that provide a fair reward and xiv encourage the supply of renewable and low emissions energy into the grid” when they slashed the existing feed-in tariff twice —on the first occasion, before the inquiry was even commissioned.
Broken promise
20. Double the Energy Technology Innovation Strategy to $82 million for pilot renewable energy projects and extend eligibility to fuel cells, cogeneration and trigeneration.
Funding provided in 2011-12 budget and funding beginning to flow to project recipients
Delivered
21. Provide $100 million to the TRUenergy Large Scale Solar Power
The project has now missed out on two rounds of federal funding under the Solar
Partial delivery
Commitment
Climate Change
7
ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2012: TWO YEARS IN station near Mildura, subject to federal funding.
xv
Flagships scheme, initially in 2011 and in the second round bid in 2012. Before the second round, the Victorian Government promised to commit an undisclosed amount of funding (believed to be $50-$60 million) to the project if it was xvi successful.
22. Maintain energy efficiency rebate schemes, public housing and low income energy efficiency programs.
There has been continued funding for several small energy efficiency rebate schemes (in the order of $25 million per year). However, the future of these rebates is now in doubt with some program budgets expiring this financial year. Further, the Government continues to spend more than $390 million each year on gas, electricity and water concessions. This concessions budget would be much more effectively spent on energy and water efficiency programs which would help deliver progress towards the Coalition promise to improve the efficiency of Victoria’s existing housing stock to a 5 star standard.
23. Implement $20 million plan to replace inefficient street lights.
The Government scrapped this election pledge on 5 May 2012.
24. Provide $50,000 for Ballarat green waste project.
$50,000 grant to the City of Ballarat signed.
25. Review of subsidies for fossil fuels by June 2011 and encourage the re-balancing of Victoria’s electricity generation portfolio to assist with meeting our accepted emission reduction target of 20% on 2000 levels by 2020.
No visible progress.
Broken promise
26. Support Victoria’s legislated target to reduce greenhouse emissions by 20% by 2020.
Despite describing the target before the election as “our accepted emission reduction target of 20% on 2000 levels by 2020”, and promising to release policy in this area ahead of the election, the Baillieu Government has since dumped the target — first by calling it ‘aspirational’, then by Treasurer Wells claiming that the target was not legislated, then by reviewing the Climate Change Act, then by proposing amendments to the Climate Change Act to remove the 20% target from the legislation entirely.
Broken promise
27. Transition all existing housing stock to meet an average of 5 star energy rating.
No progress beyond increasing the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target and proceeding (after some equivocation) with 6 star standard for new homes. To date there is no publicly available plan or announced funding to achieve this xix commitment . Funding will need to be provided in the 2013-14 budget if it is not to be viewed as a broken promise in 2013.
Not delivered
28. Secure 5 per cent (2500 GWh) of Victoria’s energy generation from solar by 2020.
No visible progress and some uncertainty as to whether the Coalition plans to keep xx this very clear promise . The Government’s action to twice reduce the solar feedin tariff actually makes this target more difficult to achieve.
Not delivered
29. Extend the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target to small and medium enterprises.
This target was doubled and the scheme extended to small and medium businesses.
Delivered
xvii
xviii
Partial delivery
Broken promise Delivered
8
ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2012: TWO YEARS IN
30. Support demand management measures to reduce peak power demand.
The Government has introduced voluntary opt-in flexible pricing for electricity, xxi commencing in mid-2013. This is an important step, but a limited one, and the Government has shown no signs of supporting other measures to reduce peak demand.
Partially delivered
31. Apply a ‘climate test’ to new government policies, programs, investments and future infrastructure decisions to ensure they do not increase greenhouse gas pollution and instead contribute to its reduction.
No visible progress. The Government cites the Climate Change Act as providing this test; however, consideration of climate change under this Act falls short of this election commitment.
Not delivered
32. Develop a comprehensive strategy and investment package for engaging Victorians in sustainability, climate mitigation and adaptation programs as a part of meeting Victoria’s emission reduction target.
No visible progress. The Baillieu Government has no clear plan for tackling climate change, despite promising to deliver one ahead of the election. Instead, they have scrapped the Climate Communities Fund, which would have supported engaging local groups and communities in action to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.
Not delivered
33. Develop, fund and implement a Climate Change Adaptation Plan by the end of 2011.
This was neither developed, funded nor implemented by the end of 2011, as promised in response to an Environment Victoria survey before the election. However, the Government response to the Review of the Climate Change Act supported the retention of an obligation to prepare a climate change adaptation plan by the end of 2012 in accordance with their obligations under that Act, and said that that plan was ‘currently being developed’. It is not clear whether this plan xxii will be accompanied by any funding.
Not delivered
34. Replace the Black Balloons program with a program to provide practical energy efficiency and emissions reduction advice for households and small business.
No visible progress. The Black Balloons program has been dropped, but the promised replacement has not been provided.
Not delivered
35. Support a 0.8 tonnes CO2e-/MWh standard for new fossil fuel energy generation which allows coal-fired power plants to be built in Victoria which are significantly more polluting than combined cycle conventional gas and renewables.
The Government reversed their position on this, abandoning their election commitment just hours after dropping another election commitment to support the legislated 20% emissions reduction target for Victoria.
Broken promise
The Baillieu Government walked away from negotiations with International Power in early 2011, thereby leaving the fate of Hazelwood and any closure to be determined by the Federal Government and the market.
Backwards step
The following election commitments may cause significant environmental damage: 36. Reject the Climate Change White Paper commitment to reduce emissions from brown coal electricity generation by up to 4 million tonnes by 2014, to be achieved by closing one quarter of Hazelwood.
9
ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2012: TWO YEARS IN
37. Impose new planning conditions on the construction of wind farms to provide landholder right of veto to projects within 2 kilometres of a residence.
The Baillieu Government changed Victoria’s planning laws to give right of veto over wind farms to property owners within 2 km of a proposed wind farm. These rights exist for no other type of industrial development. In addition, the Baillieu Government went further than its pre-election policy by declaring whole local government areas off limits to new wind farms.
Backwards step
38. Support for the proposed HRL coal-fired power station.
The Baillieu Government has consistently supported this proposal for a new polluting power station for Victoria. The Government started to provide a grant of $50 million to HRL despite HRL missing key milestones in the funding agreement. Despite the Federal Government withdrawing their grant to HRL, the State Government is yet to withdraw their grant. The state government’s deed of contract with HRL stipulates that the state grant is void if the Federal grant is cancelled, so it is puzzling that the Baillieu Government is yet to withdraw the state grant.
Backwards step
39. Will assess any applications for new coal allocation or brown coal exports based on legislative requirements.
The Baillieu Government has announced plans for new allocations of brown coal from the Latrobe Valley, expected to be finalised by mid-2013. They are also running a taxpayer-funded PR campaign to improve the image of coal mining and coal-fired power generation, flying in the face of public opinion which clearly opposes new coal and supports renewable energy.
Backwards step
Delivery status
Delivered?
40. Introduce Planning benchmarks to ensure that Victoria’s future growth and development does not adversely impact Melbourne’s water demands; sewerage loads; nutrient loads into waterways; stormwater runoff; greenhouse gas emissions.
No visible progress.
Not delivered
41. Develop a population strategy for Victoria
No visible progress. The Government appears to have chosen to develop a xxiii metropolitan planning strategy and regional growth plans instead.
Not delivered
42. Develop a $5 million Latrobe Valley industry and employment roadmap including a socio-economic impact study of any move to phase out Hazelwood power station.
This has been delivered, to address the likely impacts of the national carbon price xxiv on energy intensive businesses in the Latrobe Valley.
Delivered
43. Establish a new independent public transport authority – the Victorian Public Transport Development Authority – to integrate transport authorities and agencies. The agency will have $10 million funding over four years.
Public Transport Victoria is now up and running.
Commitment
Sustainability
xxv
Delivered
10
ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2012: TWO YEARS IN xxvi
44. Begin feasibility studies for Rowville Rail line, Fast Rail project from Melbourne to Sydney, and planning for Melbourne Airport rail link and Avalon airport rail line
The Rowville Rain Study has commenced, as has the Melbourne airport Rail Link xxvii Study. The Government has committed $50 million to an Avalon Rail Link, xxviii leaving the federal government and airport owner Lindsay Fox to fund the rest. No visible progress on the Melbourne-Sydney fast rail project, or the Advocacy Unit xxix that the Government promised to establish.
Partial delivery
45. Continue subsidies being provided for hybrid and electric vehicles as a part of their registration.
Continued to date, although it is not clear whether these will be continued in xxx future.
Partial delivery
46. Introduce a $5 million Backing Green Business Plan accrediting green businesses.
Funding announced in 11-12 Budget , has now been incorporated in Sustainability Victoria’s Smarter Resources, Smarter Business program.
Delivered
The Baillieu Government has now included an extra 5,958 hectares within the Urban Growth Boundary, undermining Melbourne’s Green Wedges including high conservation value remnant grasslands, and removing protections for threatened xxxii species like the Southern Brown Bandicoot.
Backwards step
Delivery status
Delivered?
48. Establish a $20 million green grants fund for projects which improve biodiversity, reduce and manage waste and clean up coasts and waterways.
This fund was established in the 2011-12 Budget and round two of grants commenced in November 2012.
Delivered
49. Establish a $4 million fund to plant 2 million trees
The 2 Million Trees Initiative has now been established.
50. Establish VEAC investigations into a) existing marine parks and any ongoing biodiversity threats and challenges, b) the condition and management alternatives for freshwater dependent ecosystems
The investigation into marine parks has commenced with narrow terms of reference. The investigation into freshwater dependent ecosystems is yet to commence though the Government now says that this investigation will take place through the Victorian Waterway Management Strategy.
Partial delivery
51. Increase Landcare funding by $12 million.
Funding provided for 60 new Landcare facilitators, however only $50,000 provided for each position which may be inadequate to employ facilitators for many xxxiv Landcare groups. A further $1 million committed to Landcare in 2012.
Delivered
52. Undertake a VEAC investigation into the biodiversity and
VEAC investigation underway
Partially delivered
xxxi
The following election commitments may cause significant environmental damage 47. Call for new inclusions for addition to Melbourne’s Urban Growth Boundary
Commitment
Natural environment
xxxiii
Delivered
11
ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2012: TWO YEARS IN ecological values of public land in the Yellingbo area
The following election commitments may cause significant environmental damage: 53. Reintroduce cattle grazing into alpine areas including the Alpine National Park.
Cattle introduced into the Alpine National Park in January 2011 for so-called ‘scientific trials’, despite widespread criticism from scientists. Victorian action blocked by Federal Environment Minister who made regulations to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act to disallow cattle grazing in all Australian Alps National Parks. The Victorian government then unsuccessfully fought a VCAT action, doing its best to stop the release of documents outlining the ‘scientific’ basis for the trial, and then challenged the federal Minister’s decision in a yet-to-be-resolved court action.
Backwards step
54. No extension of the state’s marine parks.
The Coalition continues to oppose the extension of the marine protected areas reserve.
Backwards step
55. 5% fuel reduction burning target across the State
The large state-wide target encourages large burns in remote areas, and discourages strategic burns close to communities compromising planning for both biodiversity and public safety. Despite criticism of the target by the Royal Commission’s Implementation Monitor, the government remains strongly committed to it.
Backwards step
56. No reduction in native forest resource available to logging industry.
Coalition ruled out reducing forestry activity and has maintained this position.
Backwards step
57. Committed to reforming VicForests board
Announced 4 new directors in October 2011, with 3 of them having a forest industry background, leading to criticisms that the moves removed transparency and independence from VicForests. Also gave VicForests responsibility for determining sustainable levels and conditions for logging.
Backwards step
58. Abolished firewood permit system for collecting firewood from state forests.
Firewood permits had originally been established by the Bolte Government in 1958. The decision to remove them was made without consultation or any public process. It weakens environmental protections and undermines emerging private markets for firewood.
Backwards step
12
ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2012: TWO YEARS IN The following actions were not commitments made prior to the election but may cause significant environmental damage: Action
Impact
Status
1.
Anglesea mine extension: renewing Alcoa’s lease at Anglesea mine for 50 years.
Mine lease extension will cause significant loss of high conservation value heathlands. The failure to require Alcoa to source any of their power needs from renewable energy was a lost opportunity. Residents were not granted the same rights to oppose expansion as residents near wind farms.
Backwards step
2.
Cancelling the voluntary Target 155 water efficiency program
Reduces awareness about water saving opportunities and increases pressure on Melbourne’s water sources. Is at odds with the Coalition’s reasonably strong water efficiency platform.
Backwards step
3.
Returning duck hunting season to 12 weeks in 2011.
After shorter duck hunting seasons due to drought in recent years the season returned to 12 weeks in 2011, adding further pressure to duck populations.
Backwards step
4.
Scrapping Climate Communities program
The Baillieu Government has scrapped the $106 million Climate Communities program which supported local communities to take action to reduce emissions and prepare for climate change. Other important programs like Environment Victoria’s Sustainable Transport work also had its funding cut.
Backwards step
5.
Allowing logging companies to be exempted from the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act
A variation to the Code of Practice for Timber Production has been proposed to allow the exemption of logging projects from the requirements of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act, which protects the state's endangered and threatened species. If this proposal is accepted it will represent a significant weakening of environmental protections for threatened species. Although the submissions period closed in February 2012, it is not yet clear if the changes have actually been made.
Backwards step
6.
Amended National Parks Act to extend firewood collection in recently created Red Gum National Parks
Undermines integrity of National Parks system and removes important habitat for some species.
Backwards step
7.
Seeking federal funding to advance the East-West tunnel freeway proposal.
If the East-West tunnel was constructed it would lead to increased traffic and emissions via induced demand and starve genuinely sustainable transport projects of funding.
Backwards step
8.
Propping up the native forest logging industry for decades.
The Government released a Timber Industry Action Plan that would prop up the ailing Victorian native forest logging industry for decades. Notably, it involves offering logging companies long-term contracts of up to 20 years, and providing a State Government indemnity to companies if the contract is broken due to a xxxv change in policy.
Backwards step
13
ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2012: TWO YEARS IN 9.
Removing renewable energy from Sustainability Victoria.
In December 2011 the Government refocused Sustainability Victoria, by phasing out some of its renewable energy and climate change programs, and making waste xxxvi management and resource efficiency the new priority. While there may be some benefits from the SV review there is now no branch or office of Government dedicated to attracting renewable energy investment to Victoria.
Backwards step
10. Reversing moves to phase out cattle grazing in the Murray River Park.
In March 2012, the Baillieu Government abandoned plans to phase out 229 cattle grazing licences along the Murray River, and froze plans to declare a new Murray xxxvii River Park.
Backwards step
11. Abandoning plans for a Victorian bottle deposit refund scheme.
In March 2012, the Baillieu Government said that it would not be introducing a Victorian bottle deposit refund scheme, despite senior Cabinet Ministers having xxxviii supported the idea while in Opposition.
Backwards step
12. Slashing $130 million from environment programs in the budget
The Baillieu Government’s budget in May 2012 cut spending on environmental programs by $130 million — the biggest reduction for any government xxxix department.
Backwards step
13. Weakening planning rules that protect Victorians from climatechange induced sea level rise.
In June 2012 the Baillieu Government wound back planning rules designed to protect Victorian homes for sea level rise caused by climate change, against the recommendations of a major review by the Coastal Climate Change Advisory xl Committee.
Backwards step
14. Approving an open-cut goldmine in the heart of Wombat Forest near Daylesford.
DPI has approved excavation for this project, which involves the clearance of native vegetation and the risk of cyanide and other chemicals contaminating nearby xli rivers.
Backwards step
15. Opening up national parks to development.
The Baillieu Government has announced plans to allow private tourism developments in national parks, overturning protections that had been in place for decades. It has also directed VEAC to recommend areas for mineral prospecting in nine national parks where it was previously excluded.
Backwards step
16. Cut all funding to the native fish strategy.
The Baillieu Government has cut all Victorian Government funding to the Native Fish Strategy, a 50 year strategy to restore native fish populations in the MurrayDarling Basin.
Backwards step
17. Slashing jobs in DSE, DPI and Parks Victoria.
Budget cuts announced by the Baillieu Government have led to front-line job losses xlii xliii xliv in marine research, river health, and national parks.
Backwards step
18. Reforming planning zones to undermine Green Wedges.
The State Government has announced planning zone reforms that significantly reduce the protection provided by green wedge zones, allowing much more development (including heavy industry) into green wedge zones without a permit for the first time.
Backwards step
14
ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2012: TWO YEARS IN
19. Announced $45 million taxpayer funding for new brown coal projects via the Advanced Lignite Demonstration Fund.
The Baillieu Government has chosen to invest more public funding in polluting brown coal projects despite Victoria being overly reliant on brown coal, and socalled ‘clean coal’ projects and technologies being uncommercial or non-existent.
Backwards step
20. Cut support for farm forestry, and diverted it to supporting logging in native forests.
The support that DPI previously provided to farm forestry – an activity that improves not just the regional environment but agricultural productivity as well – was discontinued in November 2012, and those resources were diverted to managing contractors in public forests.
Backwards step
The following actions were not commitments made prior to the election but may deliver significant environmental benefit: Action
Impact
Status
1.
Increasing the landfill levy, and investing in resource recovery
The 2011-12 State Budget accelerated increases to the landfill levy which will support recycling businesses and jobs and reduce waste to landfill. The Baillieu xlv Government has reinvested this levy into organic waste recovery and recycling.
Forwards step
2.
Additions to Victoria’s protected areas network
In October 2011 new state parks and extensions to existing parks were declared xlvi covering an area of over 10,000 hectares.
Forwards step
3.
A five year plan to clean up the Yarra and Port Phillip Bay
In October 2012 the Baillieu Government released a new plan to clean up the Yarra and Port Phillip Bay. However the plan does not provide any new funding and is xlvii instead an effort to coordinate $1 billion worth of existing investment.
Forwards step
4.
Signing up to coal and coal seam gas mining reforms.
Signed the National Partnership Agreement on Large Coal Mines and Coal Seam Gas, which requires the advice of an independent scientific committee (established by the Commonwealth) before approving new large coal or coal seam gas projects which may pose a threat to water resources.
Forwards step
5.
A ban on unsafe hydraulic fracturing for unconventional gas
The Baillieu Government in August adopted a temporary ban on approvals to conduct hydraulic fracturing (‘fracking’) in onshore gas operations, a permanent ban on the use of BTEX chemicals, and a commitment to strengthen resource xlviii legislation and policy to better protect the environment.
Forwards step
15
ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2012: TWO YEARS IN
Results There were 58 environmental policy commitments of significance made ahead of the election. Of these:
Additionally there have been 25 significant actions taken with environmental consequences. Of these:
• 13 commitments have been delivered in full • 10 commitments have been partially delivered • 14 commitments have not yet been delivered • 15 commitments represent a backwards step for our environment • 6 promises that were made have been broken.
• 20 represent a backwards step for our environment • 5 represent a forwards step for our environment.
6 13 5 15 10
14
20 Delivered in full Partially delivered Not yet delivered Backwards step for our environment Broken promise
Backwards step
Forwards step
ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2012: TWO YEARS IN
16
ENDNOTES i
Environment Victoria only included policies that had a clear and significant environmental impact, which meant that commitments like free zoo entry for children, or the dredging and clean up of the Mordialloc Creek funded by Communities for Nature (which was assessed within this report) are not listed as specific commitments. ii http://www.water.vic.gov.au/livingvictoria/implementation-plan. iii http://www.water.vic.gov.au/saving/home/rebates iv http://www.water.vic.gov.au/resources/news_items/news_items_folder/extension-to-water-rebate-program-announced. v http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/from-the-minister-for-major-projects.html. vi http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/4607-10-million-to-restore-and-protect-gippsland-lakes.html vii http://www.peninsulaweekly.com.au/story/293792/gunnamatta-sewage-overhaul-long-overdue/. viii http://www.water.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/135340/6314_DSE_Living_Victoria_ImplementationPlan_accessible_2.pdf pages 10, 15 & 16. ix http://www.water.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/127608/7_Gippsland_Chapter_6.pdf p 140. x http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/coalition-will-ask-miners-to-pay-for-new-dams-20120310-1urex.html. xi http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2012/05/24/485941_water.html. xii http://www.water.vic.gov.au/saving/restrictions; http://www.gippswater.com.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=6kk_J_J2nzI%3D&tabid=120&mid=482. xiii http://www.vcec.vic.gov.au/CA256EAF001C7B21/WebObj/PowerfromthePeople-FinalReport/$File/Power%20from%20the%20People%20-%20Final%20Report.pdf. xiv http://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=11&cad=rja&ved=0CGUQFjAK&url=http%3A%2F%2Frenewable.newstead.vic.au%2Fd%2F%3Fq%3Dfiledepot_download%2F2%2F20 &ei=gUCgUKeqBen_iAf1n4CoAQ&usg=AFQjCNH_amvUxmuwscmOOd2ulUlRtz0FsA xv http://www.milduraregion.com.au/News-and-Events/Latest-News/Announcement-of-Solar-Flagships.aspx. xvi http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/baillieu-endorses-solar-park-project-20120514-1yn2p.html. xvii http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/baillieu-axes-street-lights-conversion-20120504-1y4je.html xviii http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/2910-coalition-promise-turns-garden-scraps-into-clean-power.html. xix http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/energy-efficiency-means-savings-20120909-25mgn.html. xx http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/baillieu-silent-on-solar-power-goals-20120723-22kqi.html xxi http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/vic-switch-to-flexible-electricity-prices/story-e6frf7kf-1226482092543. xxii http://www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/136486/CCAREV-Report_online.pdf. xxiii http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-05-20/population-strategy-for-regional-victoria/2722956; http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/plansandpolicies/ruralandregionalplanning/regionalgrowthplans. xxiv http://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/business-and-industry-programs/latrobe-valley-industry-and-employment-roadmap. xxv http://ptv.vic.gov.au/. xxvi http://www.rowvillerailstudy.com.au/. xxvii http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/projects/rail-projects/melbourne-airport-rail-link-study/ xxviii http://www.theage.com.au/travel/travel-news/avalon-airport-lands-internationalstatus-lease-20121012-27ijn.html xxix http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/baillieu-pushes-highspeed-rail-links-20101123-184p9.html. xxx http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Registration/RenewCancelOrUpdateRegistration/ConcessionsAndDiscounts/HybridVehicleRegistrationDiscount.htm. xxxi http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/830-green-tick-for-green-businesses.html. xxxii http://www.theage.com.au/environment/conservation/protection-for-threatened-species-scrapped-20120613-20axf.html. xxxiii http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/137382/2-Million-Trees-Factsheet.pdf. xxxiv http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/3978-coalition-funds-an-extra-1-million-for-landcare.html; http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/six-new-suburbs-but-little-public-transport20120613-20alo.html. xxxv http://www.theage.com.au/environment/timber-gets-longterm-commitment-20111213-1ot7w.html xxxvi http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/call-to-drop-climate-focus-for-recycling-20120222-1to6e.html. xxxvii http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/cattle-ban-along-river-put-on-hold-20120229-1u3ie.html. xxxviii http://www.theage.com.au/environment/baillieu-retreats-on-bottle-refund-scheme-20120304-1ub4u.html. xxxix http://environmentvictoria.org.au/media/climate-land-biodiversity-face-biggest-cuts xl http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/state-eases-sea-level-regulations-20120605-1zu9i.html. xli http://www.theage.com.au/environment/conservation/mining-plan-sparks-fears-for-wombats-20120811-241il.html. xlii http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2012/09/12/350191_news.html
ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2012: TWO YEARS IN
17
xliii
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2012/06/04/3517301.htm http://environmentvictoria.org.au/media/parks-victoria-cuts-show-%E2%80%98contempt%E2%80%99-says-union. xlv http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/3411-55-million-for-organic-waste-recovery-and-recycling-in-rural-and-regional-victoria.html. xlvi http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/parks-get-10000hectare-expansion-20111027-1mm66.html xlvii http://vic.psnews.com.au/Page_VICpsn2841.html xlviii http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/4710-reforms-to-strengthen-victorias-coal-seam-gas-regulation-and-protect-communities-.html. xliv
Level 2, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053 Tel: (03) 9341 8100 Fax: (03) 9341 8199 www.environmentvictoria.org.au