Your ideas are listed here below in reverse chronological order from when I receive them. I have attributed ideas where they are authored and the idea is new. These ideas will contribute to a further 100 Green Achievements, or better still, why not implement them where you have the opportunity.
YOUR NAME: Kerrie Tucker ACT MLA
YOUR IDEA: Julia Galia has passed on these ideas on behalf of Kerrie Tucker MLA in the ACT. They are things that have either been implemented already in the ACT or are in the process of being implemented, as well as some other general ideas. Because the ACT government also takes on the role that would otherwise be done by local government councils you may find that some of these ideas would not fall within a normal local governments jurisdiction.
Environmental
* energy rating scheme - all homes in the ACT must obtain an energy rating prior to sale so that potential new owners can make determinations based on how energy efficient the home is.
* mandatory recycling of building waste resulting from demolitions
* the establishment of the Office of Sustainability - implementation of development indicators
* employment of qualified Sustainable Development Planners (this is occurring in Councils in WA)
* greenhouse gas reduction targets
* Councils could also take part in the Cities for Climate Protection Programme
* extending appeal rights in planning processes
* mandatory water efficient appliances in new buildings/homes - this also applies to those buildings undergoing major refurbishment
* the provision of low interest loans for the installation of water and energy efficient appliances (in the ACT this could be done through government owned utilities and the loan repaid through the normal billing process, however in the case of local government the loans would have to come from the Council)
* rebates offered for domestic water tanks
* audit pesticide use of Council
* encourage renewable energy projects through supportive planning processes
* reduce rates for those who install their own renewable power supply
* strategy of No Waste by 2010
* implementation of Agenda 21
Social
* encourage affordable housing (this could be done as part of the approval process for new residential developments when there is over a specified number of homes etc. - a certain % could be set aside for affordable housing)
* 40 Km/h speed limits near schools and older persons accommodation
* getting ATM's out of gambling venues
* banning note receptors in pokies or limiting how much can be put in the machine
* mandatory code of conduct for gambling providers
WHEN RECEIVED: 10 January 2003.
ACTION TAKEN: None yet.
YOUR NAME: Peter Campbell
YOUR IDEA: An idea based on a program running in Zug, Switzerland.
Set up a free bike borrowing outfit:
* starting with about 20 medium quality bikes (hybrids)
* based in an old converted bus (storage & mobile)
* with boxes for carrying shopping
* free if people leave ID (eg. Passport, drivers licence or photo ID card etc.)
* for use around central Melbourne
* would need some Government/Council funding
* maintenance could be done (with training) by homeless/underprivileged
* could include some advertising/sponsorship (eg. ANZ might put some money up)
WHEN RECEIVED: 2 January 2003
ACTION TAKEN: None yet, though I know the Mayor of Graz and will contact him for more information.
YOUR NAME: Adam Briscomb
YOUR IDEA: I now firmly believe that Local government has an important role to play in rewarding the community for actions that encourage sustainable development. Local government must now implement Feebates and Rebates according to policy. It must fine or create institutional obstacles to "poor practice" and create rewards for 'best practice". In policy evolution terms this is the introduction of an eco-tax. By any other name it might be a local incentive program that has serious money attached to it, (what the Sustainable Melbourne Fund should be). It would require development of an in-house team to make administrative process hassle free. None of this will be easy to make popular or politically palatable unless the cost to those with the big footprint is imported via a Trojan Horse.
What that might look like is the $64k question. It might be;
* the small car easy parking day. Less money to park in the city on special days if you have a small or low emission car.
* The BEST program, (Building Excellence for a Sustainable Today) - Like Postcode 2000 but for Green Buildings.
* No Waste No Cost organic waste pick up - a subsidised program to collect and recycle vegetable waste from food outlets. Free. Our problem to figure out how.
* Additional costs for a range of practices or services. This area needs a policy audit or investigation into where the system could be used to make poor practice more difficult.
WHEN RECEIVED: 30 Dec 2002
ACTION TAKEN: None yet.
