The NSW Government has committed $1.8 billion in this year’s budget to protect the state’s environment and heritage, Environment and Heritage Minister Gabrielle Upton announced today.
“The NSW Government’s priority is to protect and preserve the state’s environment for future generations,” Ms Upton said.
“This year’s budget investment will go towards, protecting threatened species, preserving the state’s national park estate, helping households reduce energy use while driving down energy bills and protecting the state’s Aboriginal history.”
Some of the key program investments across the portfolio include:
- $184 million to continue to support the EPA as an independent regulator, this includes:
- $3.4 million to introduce a cost effective Container Deposit Scheme as part of $72 million allocated to transforming waste management in NSW. This investment will help the NSW Government reach its goal to reduce litter volume by 40 percent by 2020
- $6.4 million to manage PFAS (perfluorinated alkylated substances) contamination across NSW including Williamtown RAAF
- $1.85 million towards the Broken Hill Lead Smart program
- $34 million across national parks, primarily for upgrading facilities, amenities and safety and visitor experiences
- $44 million for private land conservation ($240 million over five years and $70 million annually in ongoing funding)
- $41 million to assist local councils to prepare and implement coastal and floodplain management plans and for works to restore and protect coastal and estuarine environments
- $29 million to conserve and enjoy the state’s unique Aboriginal and historic heritage
- $41 million to upgrade public parklands and gardens, this includes $15 million for Centennial Parklands to upgrade and improve park facilities and $11 million for a park improvement program at Western Sydney Parklands