Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
as well as have minimum sustainability outcomes with respect to
waste, site ecology, transport and affordability.
9.2
That, in developing national transport policy, energy and CO
2
emission balance sheets for different transport options is provided
so alternatives to the current road/truck-oriented transport system
are encouraged.
9.3
That the Federal Government promote Australian building
innovations (e.g. eco-cement) that contribute global solutions
towards sustainability; provide more sustainable city innovation
R&D funds; and re-direct some housing and transport funds
towards Sustainable Cities demonstration projects.
10 Need for new Australian structures and institutions
The conference noted the recent call by the Australian Collaboration for the
following overarching developments as we confront the sustainability
'bottleneck' of the 21st century.
10.1
A new national political charter with commitments to specific
social, cultural and environmental as well as economic goals.
10.2
The establishment of a new parliamentary institution to examine
long-term trends affecting Australia and to foster wide debate
about them in Australian society.
10.3
The establishment of a formal independent inquiry into the
working of democracy in all its forms in Australia and a
commitment to implement its main recommendations.
10.4
Action to put in place comprehensive reporting of social, cultural,
environmental and economic conditions and trends.
The characteristics of a sustainable society are that it is humane, has an
eco-centric approach and a long time horizon, and is informed, efficient and
resourced.
The communiqué concluded:
'If all Australian governments committed to
building social, environmental and economic sustainability into every element
of governance, we could be an example to the rest of the world.'
