Premier Mike Rann
Minister for Economic Development
Minister for Social Inclusion
Minister for the Arts
Minister for Volunteers

Friday, 5 March 2004
 
SOUTH AUSTRALIA GOES GREEN IN RESPONSE TO GIRARDET REPORT

Premier Mike Rann today announced the Government will be adopting many of the inspirational ideas of the State’s first ‘Thinker in Residence’, Herbert Girardet, aimed at making our State a leader in environmental reforms.

“I want South Australia to become a world leader in a new green approach to the way we all live.

“Herbert Girardet  is a highly qualified urban ecologist and an expert in making cities and communities live within their means from an environmental perspective.

“Much of what he proposed in his report to the Government last August, after eight weeks in residence studying the way our city works, makes a lot of common sense.

“That’s why we are taking his advice and intend running with his key ideas.

“They include:
· mandatory plumbed rainwater tanks on all new homes from July 2006;
· a five-star energy rating for new housing built from July 2006;
· a four year extension of the current solar hot water subsidy;
· leading Australia to solar power to 250 schools by 2014
· progressive installation of solar power to other key government buildings including Parliament House
· expand the One Million Trees program to Three Million Trees by 2014
 
(This year, more than 400 000 local native trees through 41 projects at more than 100 sites will be planted across the Adelaide metropolitan area. Last year, 116 000 trees were planted at 20 city sites).

· the Lochiel Park Development be become the nation’s model ‘Green Village’ incorporating Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) technologies;
· all future significant Greenfield developments to use acceptable ESD technologies,
· develop a strategy to reduce the number of hectares used per person to minimise the impact of human activity on the environment within 10 years;
· give preference for all new Government office leases to those buildings that meet at least five-star energy rating from July 2006.
· lead Australia in windpower development.

“This is about better managing our precious natural resources such as water and gas.

“The logic of this is that the more we can preserve and improve the environment in which we live, the better positioned we are to build a stronger economy and healthier society.

“I also hope it will help change the attitudes of South Australians who don’t realise the full impact each of us have on the daily drain of our vital resources.

“These measures set a new pace for sustainable development, and set important new precedents for future decision makers,” Mr Rann said.
For further information contact Nicole Thomas on (08) 8463 3398 or 0422 007 268