Communities win from Victorian infrastructure investment
11 May 2018
GBCA:
The impressive
social and transport
infrastructure investment unveiled in today’s Victorian State Budget
will go a long way to meeting the challenge of population growth and
ensuring the state’s cities, towns and communities are better connected
and supported.
Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) Head of Public Affairs,
Jonathan Cartledge, said the budget would help deliver long-term
productivity for
Victoria, and at the same time created new
opportunities to improve sustainability in the delivery of headline
projects.
“The GBCA welcomes the
Victorian Government’s strong commitment to the
liveability of local communities through this major infrastructure
investment,” Mr Cartledge said.
“With
Melbourne on track to overtake
Sydney as Australia’s most populous city, these critical
road, public transport, health and education projects can’t be
delayed.
“This forward-thinking funding needs to be matched with a future-focused
approach to delivery. Designing assets that deliver broad benefits for
the community through maximising their efficiency, sustainability and
amenity will help provide value for money for this once-in-a-generation
spend.
“Let’s make sure that this investment delivers the broadest possible
outcomes through design requirements that help maximise learning
outcomes for our children in Victoria’s 28 new schools, reduce time
spent and improve health outcomes in our hospitals, and realise new
productivity through smarter
buildings and infrastructure across the state.
“Australia is a world-leader in green buildings, communities and
infrastructure. We should capitalise on this expertise in the delivery
of these budget measures that will help build communities across
Victoria for the next generation.
“Victoria has led the way with projects like the Olivia Newton-John
Cancer Wellness Centre but it lags behind NSW in the number of
Green
Star certified projects 470 to 553.
“Now is the time to forge ahead, and the $5 million in funding to
complete planning at Fishermans Bend is a great example of how this can
be achieved.
“We are delighted to see $926 million committed to fast-track level
crossing removals, something the GBCA has worked closely on with the
Level Crossing Removal Authority, whereby all stations re-built as part
of the removal of 50 of Victoria’s dangerous level crossings will be
Green Star rated.
“In delivering the high quality infrastructure needed for
Victoria’s booming population, the Victorian Government has a major
responsibility to ensure that these projects realise their full
potential in providing social, economic and environmental outcomes that
benefit Victorians.
“Beyond making a positive contribution to community wellbeing,
productivity and resilience, this also means minimising the
environmental impacts of these developments.
“The only real disappointment in this budget was the lack of increased
investment beyond the further $1 million set aside to tackle climate
change and ensure emissions reduction targets are met across government
sectors.
“While we have previously commended the Victorian Government for its
Energy Efficiency and Productivity Strategy released in November last
year, meeting Victoria’s interim renewable energy target of 25% clean
energy by 2020 will require more action and investment in both
renewable
energy and
energy efficiency.
“The $50 cash incentive to encourage households to visit the Government
energy comparison website pales in comparison to the huge cost savings
more investment in energy efficient building can offer.
“A YouGov Galaxy survey commissioned by The Australian Council of Social
Services, Property Council of Australia and the Energy Efficiency
Council found that an overwhelming majority of Australian voters believe
it is important or very important that governments invest in energy
efficiency. 90 per cent of voters surveyed said that it is important for
governments to help reduce households and businesses’ energy bills.
“The significant windfalls to government from property taxes should be
invested into accelerating programs that deliver benefits to both
businesses and the community, such as improved energy affordability and
reliability.
“The GBCA is committed to working with the Victorian Government to
enhance the value of its ambitious infrastructure package.”
--ENDS--
Source: Green Building Council of Australia - www.gbca.org.au
Contact: Media contact: Fiona Benson 0407 294 620
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