Media Release: LAND AND BIODIVERSITY AT A TIME OF CLIMATE CHANGE

FROM THE MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE

DATE: Sunday, April 6, 2008

LAND AND BIODIVERSITY AT A TIME OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Private sector investment in the environment and opportunities for business and farmers is a key focus of the Land and Biodiversity Green Paper launched by Environment Minister Gavin Jennings today.

“The Green Paper outlines a strategic vision of how we can revitalise our land and water catchments, contribute to agricultural and economic growth and building on Victoria’s world-leading market-based approach to environmental management,” Mr Jennings said.

Speaking at the Grow West project, a land restoration project near Bacchus Marsh, Mr Jennings said the Green Paper builds on the work of Victoria’s Climate Change Summit to encourage the community to take a role in protecting the environment.

“The Green Paper explores potential opportunities for landholders to access new markets in carbon and biodiversity.

“The national emissions trading scheme, due to commence in 2010, is likely to encourage investment in offseting carbon emissions by planting trees or managing existing vegetation.

“The superannuation industry, for example, is an important contributor to our economy and funds such as VicSuper are already directing investment to environmental projects. VicSuper is investing around $90 million in its Future Farming Landscapes project which is based on sustainable development of productive land while protecting the environment.

“Grow West is an example of community groups, landholders, Government, and businesses working in partnership on a large scale land restoration project.

“Market-based programs such as EcoTender and BushTender put a monetary value on the environment and provide incentives to farmers and investors to improve land heath.

Minister Jennings was joined at the launch by Sir Gustav Nossal, former Australian of the Year and the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s Chief Scientist.

Sir Gustav said a healthy environment was essential to our economy and wellbeing and the Green Paper was a call to action for Victorians to tackle land degradation and biodiversity loss.

“Although many people aren’t familiar with the term biodiversity, we experience it every day. The richness of the biodiversity of Victoria’s land and aquatic systems has a direct influence on our lives, right down to producing the clean air we need to breathe,” Sir Gustav said.

Green Paper Stakeholder Reference Group Chair and Chair of the Victorian Catchment Management Council Mick Murphy said that over 360 submissions were received on the initial Consultation Paper.

The launch marked the second stage of the extensive consultation process that will involve a series of workshops throughout Victoria over the next few months. Submissions are invited on the Green Paper until 30 June 2008 with the White Paper due for release in early 2009.
For further information call 136 186 or visit www.dse.vic.gov.au