Friday 16 November 2007

The Iemma Government is failing to meet its own greenhouse reduction targets, with 12 State government-owned buildings failing to meet minimum greenhouse efficiency standards, Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change Pru Goward and Shadow Minister for Finance Mike Baird said today.

“In March 2004 the Labor Government promised all government-owned buildings would have a greenhouse rating of at least three stars by July 2006, however according to Freedom of Information documents obtained by the NSW Coalition there are still 12 buildings that fail to meet this target,” Ms Goward said.

“The Australian Building Greenhouse Rating system is designed to help building owners and tenants improve environmental sustainability,” she said.

“If the Iemma Government isn’t prepared to meet its own standards, how can their so-called commitment to addressing climate change be taken seriously?

“The FOI documents reveal 15% of the buildings owned by the NSW Government have an ABGR score of less than three stars. These buildings include two properties occupied by Sydney Water and one by NSW Maritime.

“It is further proof of a Labor Government which is good at making big announcements but is either incapable or unwilling to take action.

“In Budget Estimates the Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Phil Koperberg, wasn’t even able to say whether $300,000 worth of renovations to his office would make it meet greenhouse standards,” Ms Goward said.

Shadow Minister for Finance Mike Baird said the Labor Government’s failure was continued evidence of its poor record on acting on announcements.

“The Iemma Government has failed its financial test in managing its property portfolio with up to $50 million wasted on ministerial offices and now it has failed its environmental responsibility,” he said.

“Mr Koperberg announced a fund to encourage businesses to save water and energy and yet the Iemma Government fails to meet its own energy targets.

“This Labor Government constantly talks the talk but never walks the walk,” Mr Baird said.

MEDIA: Lisa Harrington - 0406 726 880

Write Comment

Please keep the topic of messages relevant to the subject of the article. Personal verbal attacks will be deleted. Please don't use comments to plug your web site. Such material will be removed.
Name:
E-mail
Subject:
Comment:
Code:*

Be first to comment on this article