EnviroWatch 2013: Three years in... PMS 1615
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AN AUDIT OF THE BAILLIEU/NAPTHINE GOVERNMENT’S DELIVERY OF ITS ELECTION PROMISES ON THE ENVIRONMENT
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November 2013
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ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2013: THREE YEARS IN
EnviroWatch: Three years in… An audit of the Baillieu/Napthine Government’s delivery of its election promises on the environment November 2013 This report audits the Baillieu/Napthine Government’s progress on implementing the Victorian Coalition 2010 election promises on our environment. This report was compiled in November 2013 – three years after the 2010 Victorian election and one year out from the 2014 state 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 2013: Three 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 We’re one of Australia’s leading environment groups working to safeguard our environment and the future Authorised by Kelly O’Shanassy, CEO, Environment Victoria © Environment Victoria 2013 Copies of this report are available at www.environmentvictoria.org.au/envirowatch Cover image: Walk Against Warming, Melbourne 2009. Photo by Les Johnson.
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ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2013: THREE YEARS IN
Introduction The Napthine 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 new freeway or a railway line. They make the regulations that can either provide water to our precious rivers or pump 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 And they hold the power to unlock new green jobs or maintain our reliance on outdated and polluting technologies.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 Baillieu/Napthine 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. For over 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.
Methodology 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 then Baillieu Government following the election. It is these promises that are
assessed in this report card. Significant additional actions taken by the Baillieu/Napthine Government since its election that were not promised prior to the election are also highlighted in this report card. Environment Victoria assessed the delivery of each promise based on publicly available information. The following is a description of the assessment methodology: Promise status Delivered Partial delivery Not delivered Broken promise Backwards step Forwards step No longer applicable
Description The promise has been delivered in full by the Baillieu/Napthine 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/Napthine Government Actions taken (both promises and actions not promised ahead of the election) that will harm rather than help our environment Actions taken that were not promised but that will help our environment Actions that are no longer relevant due to circumstances beyond the State Government’s control
The assessment was forwarded to the Napthine Government on 20 November 2013, 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 Agriculture and Water’s office on Monday 25 November which has helped inform this assessment. Responses were not received from the Ministers for Environment and Climate Change so assessments on policies within these portfolios are ours alone.
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ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2013: THREE 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, established the Office of Living Victoria and released the Melbourne Water Future draft for public consultation
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.
Melbourne’s Water Future Consultation Draft commits to ‘reforming the structure of water bills to reward water efficiency in the home’ (Initiative 3.3.8) but does not give concrete detail on how this is to be achieved
Partial delivery
3.
Establish a $50 million fund over 4 years to promote water sensitive urban design including $5 million for integrated water cycle management in Melbourne’s CBD.
Living Victoria Fund of $50 million established in November 2012. Around $20 iii million allocated to date .
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 iv v business. Rebates have now been expanded and extended to 2015.
Delivered
5.
All government major projects will require rainwater capture and reuse.
Melbourne’s Water Future Initiative 3.4.5 proposes to ‘embed good water management in public buildings and major projects’, which falls short of the election commitment and has not yet been implemented.
Not delivered
6.
Phase-out Melbourne’s reliance on the north-south pipeline by diverting Melbourne’s share of water (when not needed) to return environmental water.
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.
8 GL was confirmed for Thomson River in 2012 through Gippsland Sustainable Water Strategy but the environmental entitlement has not yet been created. 17 GL of the promised 20 GL environmental entitlement for Yarra has been delivered, with no discernible plan to deliver the extra 3 GL. 214 GL was recovered for the Murray River with 202GL delivered. 212 GL has been recovered for the Snowy vi River but a maximum volume released in any given year is only 84 GL.
Partial delivery
8.
Allocate $10 million to improve health of Gippsland Lakes.
A $10 million Gippsland Lakes Environmental Fund was established to support eight different projects in the region to monitor the health of the Lakes and vii 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
Delivered
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ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2013: THREE YEARS IN the key issues affecting the lakes which are reduced freshwater inflows and increasing sea water intrusion through dredging at Lakes Entrance. 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.
The target for 2015 will not be met. Melbourne’s Water Future proposes to increase use of recycled water, rainwater and stormwater through Integrated Water Cycle Management but does not set specific substitution targets.
Not delivered
10. Close the Gunnamatta outfall in their second term of parliament.
Melbourne’s Water Future commits to ‘make better use of treated wastewater’ (Initiative 3.5.4.) but not to closing the outfall
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.
The Victorian Environmental Water Holder was established in 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.
Appropriate entitlements created and included in Victorian Environmental Water viii Holdings
Delivered
13. Deliver a new set of minimum standards to make best practice water use mandatory for all new developments and redevelopments
Melbourne’s Water Future has moved away from a mandatory approach and is instead adopting Integrated Water Cycle Management planning at metropolitan, regional and local levels. The effectiveness of this approach as compared to a mandatory approach is yet to be tested. The only mandatory component of Melbourne’s Water Future refers to stormwater management in new developments (Initiative 3.2.5).
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 is proposed in Melbourne’s Water Future, nor any specific retrofitting targets. Other actions in the Strategy will promote efficient water use.
Partial delivery
15. Will not support the guide to the Murray Darling Basin Plan (MDBP).
No longer applicable
No longer applicable
16. Will not regulate to implement any MDBP recommendations earlier than 2019.
The Murray Darling Basin Plan will now come into force in 2019, partly as a result of the Victorian Government’s lobbying efforts. The Victorian Government is currently reviewing the Water Act to align Victorian regulations with the Basin Plan. This review may weaken important environmental protections such as the long-term water resources assessment and review that are intended to ensure that
Backwards step
The following election commitments may cause significant environmental damage:
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ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2013: THREE YEARS IN the environment is not disproportionately affected by a change in water ix availability. 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.
The Victorian Government invested $1 million in the Lindenow Valley Water x Security Project to investigate water storage options. It has also committed $1 xi million for a study into a dam at Lake Buffalo and Lake William Hovell, but does not appear to have provided any money in the budget to actually undertake these xii 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 xiii 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 xiv 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 xv 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 is beginning to flow to project recipients
Delivered
21. Provide $100 million to the TRUenergy Large Scale Solar Power station near Mildura, subject to federal funding.
The project missed out on federal funding under the Solar Flagships scheme, xvi 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 xvii (believed to be $50-$60 million) to the project if it was successful.
No longer applicable
22. Maintain energy efficiency rebate schemes, public housing and low income energy efficiency programs.
There has been a reduction in funding for rebate and energy efficiency schemes, with the solar hot water rebate for households being cut completely in May xviii 2013 . Further, the Government continues to spend more than $390 million each year on gas, electricity and water concessions. This concessions budget would be
Broken promise
Commitment
Climate Change
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ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2013: THREE YEARS IN 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. xix
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 has been 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 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 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. There is xxi no plan or announced funding to achieve this key commitment . Given the significant scale of this commitment and the lack of a funded plan to achieve it, it is deemed a broken promise.
Broken promise
28. Secure 5 per cent (2500 GWh) of Victoria’s energy generation from solar by 2020.
No plan on this very clear promise . The Government’s action to twice reduce the solar feed-in tariff actually makes this target more difficult to achieve, though installation rates have been higher than expected as solar prices continue to fall, so not yet clear that target will not be met.
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, however the VEET scheme is now under review. There is concern in some parts of the industry that VEET may be discontinued or scaled back beyond 2014.
Delivered
30. Support demand management measures to reduce peak power demand.
The Government has introduced voluntary opt-in flexible pricing for electricity, xxiii 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.
Partial delivery
31. Apply a ‘climate test’ to new government policies, programs, investments and future infrastructure decisions to ensure they
The Government cites the Climate Change Act as providing this test; however, consideration of climate change under this Act falls short of this election
Broken promise
xx
xxii
Broken promise Delivered
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ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2013: THREE YEARS IN do not increase greenhouse gas pollution and instead contribute to its reduction.
commitment. There has been no ‘climate test’ applied to new major infrastructure projects such as an expansion of the Port of Hastings or the East-West freeway.
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.
The Baillieu/Napthine 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. Their Climate Change Adaptation strategy and Environmental Partnerships documents fall far short of delivering on this very clear election promise.
Broken promise
33. Develop, fund and implement a Climate Change Adaptation Plan by the end of 2011.
The plan was not developed, funded or implemented by the end of 2011. The Government did release a ‘minimalist’ Climate Change Adaptation Plan in March xxiv 2013 and established a $5.67m fund for Local Government adaptation projects. The Plan identified strategies for government departments to adapt to climate change but failed to provide for climate adaptation across the state, for communities or business.
Partial delivery
34. Replace the Black Balloons program with a program to provide practical energy efficiency and emissions reduction advice for households and small business.
The Black Balloons program has been dropped, but the promised replacement has not been provided.
Broken promise
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
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.
The 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
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 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 Government went further than its pre-election policy by declaring whole local government areas off limits to new wind farms.
Backwards step
38. Will assess any applications for new coal allocation or brown coal exports based on legislative requirements.
The Government announced plans to investigate the commercial feasibility of new allocations of brown coal from the Latrobe Valley, with a decision expected to be
Backwards step
The following election commitments may cause significant environmental damage:
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ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2013: THREE YEARS IN xxv
made by the end of 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.
Commitment
Delivery status
Delivered?
39. 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.
The Melbourne’s Water Future, Yarra and Port Phillip strategies and Plan Melbourne include some actions to deliver on this election commitment.
Partial delivery
40. Develop a population strategy for Victoria
The Government appears to have chosen to develop a metropolitan planning xxvi strategy and regional growth plans instead.
Broken promise
41. 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 xxvii on energy intensive businesses in the Latrobe Valley.
Delivered
42. 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.
43. 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 xxx Study. The Government has committed $50 million to an Avalon Rail Link, leaving xxxi 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 xxxii that the Government promised to establish.
Partial delivery
44. 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 xxxiii future.
Delivered
45. 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 Government has now included an extra 5,958 hectares within the Urban
Backwards step
Sustainability
xxviii
xxix
xxxiv
Delivered
The following election commitments may cause significant environmental damage 46. Call for new inclusions for addition to Melbourne’s Urban
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ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2013: THREE YEARS IN Growth Boundary
Commitment
Growth Boundary, undermining Melbourne’s Green Wedges clearing high conservation value remnant grasslands and destroying habitat for threatened species such as the Growling Grass Frog. To date they have not produced a xxxv conservation strategy for the threatened Southern Brown Bandicoot.
Delivery status
Delivered?
47. 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
48. Establish a $4 million fund to plant 2 million trees
The 2 Million Trees Initiative has now been established.
49. Establish a VEAC investigation into existing marine parks and any ongoing biodiversity threats and challenges
The investigation into marine parks has commenced with narrow terms of reference.
Partial delivery
50. Establish a VEAC investigation into the condition and management alternatives for freshwater dependent ecosystems
The investigation into freshwater dependent ecosystems promised by the Coalition in Opposition has been cancelled, with the Government arguing that this investigation took place through the much more narrowly constrained Victorian Waterway Management Strategy.
Broken Promise
51. Undertake a VEAC investigation into the biodiversity and ecological values of public land in the Yellingbo area
VEAC investigation has been completed and is awaiting Government response
Delivered
52. 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 xxxvii Landcare groups. A further $1 million committed to Landcare in 2012.
Delivered
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 challenged the Commonwealth in the Federal Court. Government is still committed to returning cattle to the Alpine National Park.
Backwards step
54. No extension of the state’s marine parks.
The Government continues to oppose the extension of the marine protected areas
Backwards step
Natural environment
xxxvi
Delivered
The following election commitments may cause significant environmental damage:
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ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2013: THREE YEARS IN reserve. 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 committed to it.
Backwards step
56. No reduction in native forest resource available to logging industry.
The Government has ruled out reducing the volumes of pulp logs hauled out of state forests. This is increasing logging pressure in areas that escaped the 2009 bushfires. The Government recently announced the recommencement of logging in xxxviii the Mt Cole State Forest near Ararat and is considering reopening logging of the Otways Ranges for specialty timbers.
Backwards step
57. Committed to reforming VicForests board
The Government appointed 4 new directors in October 2011, with 3 of them having a forest industry background, leading to criticisms that the moves limited VicForests’s independence from the forestry industry. The government also gave VicForests responsibility for determining the “volumes of timber that can be xxxix harvested sustainably from the area allocated”.
Backwards step
58. Abolished firewood permit system for collecting firewood from state forests, allowing un-managed firewood collection.
Firewood permits had originally been established by the Bolte Government in 1958 to manage the collection of firewood. 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
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ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2013: THREE 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: renewed Alcoa’s lease at Anglesea mine for 50 years.
The 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.
Cancelled the voluntary Target 155 water efficiency program
This reduces awareness about water saving opportunities and increases pressure on Melbourne’s water sources. Is at odds with the Government’s reasonably strong urban water management platform.
Backwards step
3.
Returned 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.
Scrapped Climate Communities program
The Government 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.
Amended National Parks Act to extend firewood collection in recently created Red Gum National Parks
This undermines the integrity of the National Parks system and removes important habitat for some species.
Backwards step
6.
Committed state funding and sought federal funding to advance the East-West tunnel freeway proposal.
If the East-West tunnel is constructed it will lead to increased traffic and emissions via induced demand and starve genuinely sustainable transport projects (and other government priorities) of funding.
Backwards step
7.
Propped 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. It involves offering logging companies long-term contracts of unlimited duration. Providing a State Government indemnity to woodchipping companies, sawmills and paper mills if xl long-term contracts are broken due to a change in policy, or an inability to deliver the resource, exposes taxpayers to massive liabilities.
Backwards step
8.
Removed 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 xli 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
9.
Reversed moves to phase out cattle grazing in the Murray River
In March 2012, the Government abandoned plans to phase out 229 cattle grazing
Backwards step
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ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2013: THREE YEARS IN Park.
licences along the Murray River, and froze plans to declare a new Murray River xlii Park.
10. Abandoned plans for a Victorian bottle deposit refund scheme.
In March 2012, the Government said that it would not introduce a Victorian bottle deposit refund scheme, despite senior Cabinet Ministers having supported the idea xliii while in Opposition.
Backwards step
11. Slashed $130 million from environment programs in the budget
The Government’s budget in May 2012 cut spending on environmental programs xliv by $130 million — the biggest reduction for any government department.
Backwards step
12. Weakened planning rules that protect Victorians from climatechange induced sea level rise.
In June 2012 the 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 xlv Committee.
Backwards step
13. Approved 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 xlvi rivers.
Backwards step
14. Opening up national parks to private development.
In August 2013 the Government passed legislation encouraging private tourism developments in national parks and permitting 99 year leases, overturning xlvii protections that had been in place for decades . The Government also redrew the boundaries of the Alpine National Park with no community consultation to xlviii facilitate expansion of the Falls Creek Resort in February 2013.
Backwards step
15. Encouraging expansion of fossicking and prospecting in National Parks
The Government has directed VEAC to recommend areas for mineral prospecting in nine national parks where it was previously excluded. Inquiry is complete awaiting government response.
Backwards step
16. Approved and funded the destruction of Bastion Point at Mallacoota for a controversial breakwater
Construction commenced at Bastion Point in November 2013. While the project was initially approved and funded by the ALP Government, it has enjoyed ongoing support from the Coalition Government.
Backwards step
17. Slashing jobs in DSE, DPI and Parks Victoria.
Budget cuts announced by the Government have led to front-line job losses in xlix l li marine research, river health, and national parks.
Backwards step
18. Reforming planning zones to undermine Green Wedges.
The Government has announced planning zone reforms that significantly reduce the protection provided by rural conservation zones, and allowing new uses such as schools for the first time.
Backwards step
19. Announced $45 million taxpayer funding for new brown coal projects via the Advanced Lignite Demonstration Fund.
The Government has chosen to invest more public funding in polluting brown coal projects despite Victoria being overly reliant on brown coal, and so-called ‘clean coal’ projects and technologies being uncommercial or non-existent.
Backwards step
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ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2013: THREE YEARS IN 20. Cut support for farm forestry, removing support for a vital transition industry
The support that DPI previously provided to farm forestry – an activity that improves not just the regional environment but agricultural productivity as well – lii was discontinued in November 2012 . The Government has funded an industry farm forestry plan, but discontinuing the department’s programs signal a weakening of support for the industry.
Backwards step
21. Allowing logging in the Barmah National Park
In December 2012 the Government approved trials of ‘ecological thinning’ in the Barmah National Park however this move has been delayed to date by the Federal Government requiring further assessment.
Backwards step
22. Using taxpayers funds to accelerate mining exploration
The 2013-14 State Budget allocated $19 million to fast-track new mining projects liii and exploration.
Backwards step
23. Contributing $110 million of taxpayers funds towards the expansion of the Port of Hastings (partly for the establishment of an export coal industry)
The 2013-14 State Budget allocated $110 million to advance planning for the liv expansion of the Port of Hastings , which would have damaging implications for the mangroves and biodiversity of Western Port bay. Part of the rationale for the port expansion is to export bulk products like coal.
Backwards step
24. Proposing to weaken native vegetation clearing rules
The Government reviewed the Native Vegetation clearing controls and is proposing to significantly weaken them by removing the need to avoid clearing, dropping the goal of ‘net gain’, removing on-site assessment for the majority of applications among other changes.
Backwards step
25. Failed to protect critically endangered Leadbeater’s Possum and its habitat
Despite evidence that the Leadbeater’s Possum is nearing extinction, the Government has failed to protect Leadbeater’s habitat from logging even while a recovery plan is in development.
Backwards step
The following actions were not commitments made prior to the election but may deliver significant environmental benefit: Action
Impact
Status
1.
Increased 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 lv 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 lvi covering an area of over 10,000 hectares. In October 2013 additions totalling 470 lvii hectares were made to several state and National parks.
Forwards step
3.
A five year plan to clean up the Yarra and Port Phillip Bay
In October 2012 the Government released a new plan to clean up the Yarra and
Forwards step
15
ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2013: THREE YEARS IN Port Phillip Bay. However the plan does not provide any new funding and is instead lviii an effort to coordinate $1 billion worth of existing investment. 4.
Signed 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 Government in August 2012 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 legislation and lix policy to better protect the environment. The moratorium on fracking will now lx remain in place until mid 2015 .
Forwards step
6.
Reduced water licence fees for farmers who fence off river corridors
In October 2013 the Government announced a decision to reduce water licence fees for any farmers who fenced off paddocks along riparian corridors. This provides a financial incentive to farmers to exclude stock from rivers improving lxi river health and protecting riparian areas.
Forwards step
ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2013: THREE YEARS IN
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Results There were 58 environmental policy commitments of significance made ahead of the election. Of these:
Additionally there have been 31 significant actions taken with environmental consequences. Of these:
• 25 represent a backwards step for our environment • 6 represent a forwards step for our environment.
16 commitments have been delivered in full 9 commitments have been partially delivered 5 commitments have not yet been delivered 13 commitments represent a backwards step for our environment 13 promises that were made have been broken 2 commitments are no longer applicable
6
2 16
13
9
13
25
5
Delivered in full Partially delivered Not yet delivered Backwards step for our environment Broken promise No longer applicable
Backwards step
Forwards step
ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2013: THREE YEARS IN
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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 Personal communication, Office of Minister for Water, 25 November 2013 iv http://www.water.vic.gov.au/saving/home/rebates v http://www.water.vic.gov.au/resources/news_items/news_items_folder/extension-to-water-rebate-program-announced. vi http://www.water.nsw.gov.au/Water-management/Water-recovery/Snowy-Initiative/Snowy-initiative/default.aspx vii http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/4607-10-million-to-restore-and-protect-gippsland-lakes.html viii VEWH Annual Report 2012/13 ix http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/water/governing-water-resources/water-law-review x http://www.water.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/127608/7_Gippsland_Chapter_6.pdf p 140. xi http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/5873-1-million-gets-wangaratta-water-project-flowing.html xii http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2012/05/24/485941_water.html. xiii http://www.water.vic.gov.au/saving/restrictions; http://www.gippswater.com.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=6kk_J_J2nzI%3D&tabid=120&mid=482. xiv http://www.vcec.vic.gov.au/CA256EAF001C7B21/WebObj/PowerfromthePeople-FinalReport/$File/Power%20from%20the%20People%20-%20Final%20Report.pdf. xv 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 xvi http://www.milduraregion.com.au/News-and-Events/Latest-News/Announcement-of-Solar-Flagships.aspx. xvii http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/baillieu-endorses-solar-park-project-20120514-1yn2p.html. xviii http://environmentvictoria.org.au/media/victorians-urged-get-quick-solar-hot-water-rebates-axed xix http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/baillieu-axes-street-lights-conversion-20120504-1y4je.html xx http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/2910-coalition-promise-turns-garden-scraps-into-clean-power.html. xxi http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/energy-efficiency-means-savings-20120909-25mgn.html. xxii http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/baillieu-silent-on-solar-power-goals-20120723-22kqi.html xxiii http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/vic-switch-to-flexible-electricity-prices/story-e6frf7kf-1226482092543. xxiv http://www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/158640/4493_DSE_Climate_Change_Adaptation_Plan_WEB.pdf xxv http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/race-is-on-for-coals-super-market-20131023-2w1pt.html xxvi 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. xxvii http://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/business-and-industry-programs/latrobe-valley-industry-and-employment-roadmap. xxviii http://ptv.vic.gov.au/. xxix http://www.rowvillerailstudy.com.au/. xxx http://corp.ptv.vic.gov.au/projects/rail-projects/melbourne-airport-rail-link-study/ xxxi http://www.theage.com.au/travel/travel-news/avalon-airport-lands-internationalstatus-lease-20121012-27ijn.html xxxii http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/baillieu-pushes-highspeed-rail-links-20101123-184p9.html. xxxiii http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Registration/RenewCancelOrUpdateRegistration/ConcessionsAndDiscounts/HybridVehicleRegistrationDiscount.htm. xxxiv http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/830-green-tick-for-green-businesses.html. xxxv http://www.theage.com.au/environment/conservation/protection-for-threatened-species-scrapped-20120613-20axf.html. xxxvi http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/137382/2-Million-Trees-Factsheet.pdf. xxxvii 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. xxxviii http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/green-anger-at-goahead-for-state-forest-logging-20130920-2u5jq.html xxxix Personal communication, Office of Minister for Water, 25 November 2013 xl http://www.theage.com.au/environment/timber-gets-longterm-commitment-20111213-1ot7w.html xli http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/call-to-drop-climate-focus-for-recycling-20120222-1to6e.html.
ENVIRONMENT VICTORIA | ENVIROWATCH 2013: THREE YEARS IN
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xlii
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/cattle-ban-along-river-put-on-hold-20120229-1u3ie.html. http://www.theage.com.au/environment/baillieu-retreats-on-bottle-refund-scheme-20120304-1ub4u.html. xliv http://environmentvictoria.org.au/media/climate-land-biodiversity-face-biggest-cuts xlv http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/state-eases-sea-level-regulations-20120605-1zu9i.html. xlvi http://www.theage.com.au/environment/conservation/mining-plan-sparks-fears-for-wombats-20120811-241il.html. xlvii http://vnpa.org.au/page/publications/media-releases/developments-must-remain-outside-of-victoria%E2%80%99s-cherished-national-parks xlviii http://www.theage.com.au/environment/conservation/national-park-boundary-redrawn-for-resort-20130221-2esxv.html xlix http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2012/09/12/350191_news.html l http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2012/06/04/3517301.htm li http://environmentvictoria.org.au/media/parks-victoria-cuts-show-%E2%80%98contempt%E2%80%99-says-union. lii http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/forestry/about-forestry/news/the-bark-newsletter/july-2012 liii http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/victorian-budget-targets-regional-victorian-vote/story-e6frgczx-1226637150233 liv http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/port-of-hastings-allocated-110m-20130507-2j5v4.html lv 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. lvi http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/parks-get-10000hectare-expansion-20111027-1mm66.html lvii http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/8316-coalition-to-strengthen-victoria-s-economy-and-add-more-parkland.html lviii http://vic.psnews.com.au/Page_VICpsn2841.html lix http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/4710-reforms-to-strengthen-victorias-coal-seam-gas-regulation-and-protect-communities-.html lix http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victorian-ban-on-fracking-to-stay-until-2015-20131121-2xxau.html lix http://environmentvictoria.org.au/media/napthine-government-takes-important-first-step-get-cows-out-rivers lix http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victorian-ban-on-fracking-to-stay-until-2015-20131121-2xxau.html lix http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victorian-ban-on-fracking-to-stay-until-2015-20131121-2xxau.html lix http://environmentvictoria.org.au/media/napthine-government-takes-important-first-step-get-cows-out-rivers lx http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/victorian-ban-on-fracking-to-stay-until-2015-20131121-2xxau.html lxi http://environmentvictoria.org.au/media/napthine-government-takes-important-first-step-get-cows-out-rivers xliii
Back cover image: Wilsons Promontory, 2 November 2013. Photo courtesy of VNPA
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PMS 632
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Level 2, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053 Tel: (03) 9341 8100 Fax: (03) 9341 8199 www.environmentvictoria.org.au