The Victorian Government has announced its new Environmental Partnerships Initiative, aimed at promoting greater collaboration between government, business, industry and community groups in environmental conservation efforts.

 

State Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith, said the new Environmental Partnerships are built on three fundamental aspirations: Value, Act and Enjoy.

 

“Environmental Partnerships sets a clear pathway for action by government, community and businesses to work in partnership to maintain a healthy environment and lifestyle while securing a competitive economy,” Mr Smith said.

 

Mr Smith said Victoria’s environment faced a range of pressures from increasing resource use, extreme weather events and a rapidly growing population.

 

“Victoria’s population is expected to increase by 3.2 million by 2051. This is growth that will require homes, energy, food and jobs to support it. As a responsible government we need to provide for this growth, however it should not be at the expense of the environment,” Mr Smith said.

 

Environmental Partnerships identifies eight priorities to help achieve the vision of a healthy Victorian environment that supports the state’s economic prosperity and community wellbeing, these are:

  • Maintain healthy biodiversity and productive landscapes from catchment to coast;
  • Manage our valuable parks, forests and other public land for the benefit of the community;
  • Manage risks to our communities and landscape from bushfire and floods;
  • Reduce pollution and improve waste management;
  • Be smarter with energy and water and prepare for the potential impacts of climate change;
  • Support practical local action;
  • Drive best practice environmental regulation and innovative market approaches; and
  • Ensure accountable and efficient environmental agencies.