The GBCA happy with urban forest investment
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) have said that funds to drive the national cities agenda, investment in 'urban forests' and a recommitment to the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) are the winners for Australia's sustainable built environment agency.
They were left disappointed however that there was no new funding for carbon abatement.
The Turnbull Government has promised to plant 20 million native trees by 2020, with an additional $20 million allocated in the 2017 budget bringing the total investment to $70 million.
Romilly Madew, GBCA's chief executive offer says that the investment in urban forests is important, but suggests they'd like to see the development of a national green infrastructure policy.
"We’d like to see the development of a national green infrastructure policy that goes further than being just about trees, and include boosting biodiversity, enhancing the public domain, and building more resilient cities.”
The GBCA also welcome the Turnbull Government's commitment to retaining the CEFC and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
“The $1 billion Clean Energy Innovation Fund to assist emerging clean energy technologies provides a much-needed investment injection and greater certainty for the industry.”
The Turnbull Government has shown that it is taking a whole-of-government approach to cities, which is shown by the budget's allocation of $4.6 million to expand the Cities Taskforce.
“Cities are squarely in the government’s sights, and industry is looking forward to working towards a large-scale city-building strategy,” Romilly says.
Treasurer Scott Morrison allocated $50 billion for "critical infrastructure" in his first Budget to reduce congestions, improve safety and better connect Australian products to domestic and international markets.
“We are pleased to see a renewed national focus on Australian cities, with more than $3.4 billion allocated to urban rail projects," Madew said.
"However, this critical infrastructure must meet best practice benchmarks for sustainability.
"Only then will Australian taxpayers know they’ve invested in infrastructure that is resilient and that delivers the best value for decades to come”.
The GBCA were disappointed with the fact there was no new funding for carbon abatement.
“As well as driving productivity and economic growth, our cities also provide significant opportunities for reducing carbon emissions."
"It is disappointing that the Budget announces no new funding to assist Australia to reach its international commitments for emissions reductions and to transition to a low-carbon economy."
“The built environment represents significant opportunities for emissions reductions at relatively low cost, but there are no new incentives or support for the property and construction industry, or any other industry for that matter, to make the most of these opportunities.