Released 25/07/2017
Planning and environment legislation approved today includes the adoption of national standards that will improve air quality in the ACT.
“Last year, after extensive consultation with industry and key stakeholder groups, all of Australia’s Environment Ministers endorsed a clean air agreement that includes requirements for wood heaters to be more efficient and have reduced emissions, and today’s bill brings that agreement into effect,” Minister Gentleman said.
“The adoption of Australian Standards for new wood heaters into ACT legislation means that new wood heaters sold in the territory will have to be more environmentally friendly, which will reduce air pollution from wood smoke and improve the territory’s air quality,” Minister Gentleman said.
The Planning, Building and Environment Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 also includes changes to the operation of the Heritage Act and to Environment Protection legislation.
The changes to the Heritage Act improve the operation and clarity of administrative and decision-making processes following a 12 month review of the Heritage Amendment Bill 2013.
“The bill’s amendments support the important work of the ACT Heritage Council and the heritage community to identify places of heritage significance and have them assessed for appropriate protection,” Minister Gentleman said.
Changes include an amendment to the power of the Heritage Council to issue a direction to the custodian of an object, in addition to the current ability to issue a direction to the owner of an object.
“This will support the protection of items of heritage significance that are in the custody of someone other than the owner, such as an item on loan to a museum,” Minister Gentleman said.
The change to Environment Protection legislation introduces an exception to an offence for off-label use of agVet chemicals by vets treating animals in a safe and accepted way.
“The Government is moving with the vet industry and vets can rest assured that they can use agVet chemicals off-label as long as they comply with their professional standards and accepted industry practice,” Minister Gentleman said.
“The Government has consulted with vets groups and key regulatory bodies, who have all indicated their support for this change.
“The offence will also not apply to a person acting under instructions from the vet, such as the owner of the animal who is giving the recommended treatment,” Minster Gentleman said.
The Planning and Building, Environment Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 also contains a number of other minor policy, technical and editorial changes. The bill is available on the Legislation Register.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases