SIMON Corbell says the ACT Government has received a glowing report card for its environmental actions with the city faring well in a number of areas, such as conservation management and climate change mitigation.

“The Commissioner for the Environment’s 2015 State of the Environment Report, tabled in the Legislative Assembly today, evaluates the ACT’s environmental health, the effectiveness of our environmental management practices and the extent of our ecological footprint,” Simon said.

“The 2015 report highlights climate change as our most significant long-term environmental challenge and recognises the considerable response by the ACT Government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve sustainable transport options, waste management and green infrastructure.

“Canberra rated highly on its liveability attributes such as cleanliness, maintenance and outdoor leisure opportunities, with air quality in the territory also rated as high.

“While the areas of water, biodiversity, land, and heritage were mostly positively rated there is always work to be done to improve our environment and the government is undertaking work in six priority areas across the territory to improve water quality in our lakes and catchments, through the Commonwealth funded Basin Priority Project.

“The report stresses that consumption levels and urban expansion will need to be managed to ensure the continuing health of our environment and the liveability of our city.

“Importantly, the report also recognises that this is not a challenge that can be met by government alone, and will require a committed and engaged Canberra community.

“The report is released every four years by the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment. Ten recommendations are provided in the 2015 report to assist progress of environmental management in the ACT. The ACT Government will now prepare a response, due to be released later this year.

“I would like to take this opportunity to formally thank the Acting Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment, Ms Ann Lyons Wright, for her work on the report. I would also like to acknowledge and thank Mr Bob Neil, the former commissioner, for his work on the report,” Mr Corbell said.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the Commissioner and her staff on a range of environmental initiatives.”

A copy of the full 2015 ACT State of the Environment Report can be found at envcomm.act.gov.au