The ACT Government is seeking community views on a new discussion paper that seeks to improve the way work is undertaken to protect the local environment including water ways, grasslands and woodlands, Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Simon Corbell announced today.

Mr Corbell released the discussion paper which is part of the review into the Environment Protection Act 1997.

"We enjoy a clean environment in the ACT and the Government works hard to protect the health of our ecosystems across the Territory by promoting pollution prevention, regulating, reducing or eliminating the discharge of pollutants and hazardous substances into air, land and water," he said.

"This review is the chance for the ACT community to have their say on how the ACT Government ensures our environment remains protected.

"Our laws need to be progressive to keep up to date and responsive to technological advances, current industry practices and reflective of community values.

"One way to ensure that our laws are responsive to the changing needs of our community is to review our legislation.

"This discussion paper aIso provides extra background information on the issues that are under review and prompts stakeholders and general community members to get involved."

Some of the issues that need to be considered include whether the objectives of the Act are still valid, whether it achieves its stated purpose and whether it provides a 'best practice' approach to our local environment.

Community consultation is open until 6 November. Further information can be found at www.timetotalk.act.gov.au