6: A Sustainable Future

To ensure that Canberra becomes a fully sustainable city and region and that future developments are environmentally sensitive; to maintain and protect natural assets, both floral and faunal; and respond to the challenges of climate change.

Other Information:

Achieving a sustainable future for the ACT requires safeguarding our economic future and protecting our natural and built environments, as well as responding to external challenges such as climate change. We need to anticipate and meet social and community needs for high-quality and affordable services, facilities and accommodation. We must preserve our biodiversity while responding to the challenges—including transport, employment location and service delivery—presented by our garden city with its low density and high environmental values. The ACT Government has already implemented a range of measures to strengthen the Territory’s economic future. We continue to be proactive in tackling problems such as housing affordability, climate change and water security, which are the keys to a sustainable future. As well as continuing to implement these measures, the ACT Government will work to achieve a sustainable future by focusing on sustainable transport and ensuring all future developments are sustainable and environmentally sensitive. The ACT Government takes seriously its role as a leader in sustainability, ensuring that its accommodation and facilities are sustainable and energy efficient, reducing its carbon emissions and planting and maintaining trees. The ACT Government will also continue to protect native plant and animal species and ensure that the significant tracts of land committed to the reserve are well maintained and preserved for future generations. Strategic Progress Indicators: • Meet the consumption targets of Think Water, Act Water and prevailing water restrictions • Meet greenhouse gas emission targets • Increase use of public transport, cycling and walking • Decrease waste to landfill.

Objective(s):

6.1: Water Security

6.2: Climate Change

6.3: Climate Change Adaptation Research Centre

6.4: Solar Power

6.5: Social Impact of Climate Change

6.6: Transport Strategy

6.7: ACTION Buses

6.8: Residential and Commercial Development

6.9: Affordable Housing

6.10: Housing Choices

6.11: Molonglo Residences

6.12: No-Waste Strategy

6.13: Green Office Building

6.14: Knowledge and Planning

6.15: Street Lights

6.16: Endangered Species and Ecological Communities

6.17: Nature Reserve

6.18: Urban Forests

6.19: Canberra International Arboretum and Gardens

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