3. Build smart, sustainable cities and towns
Most Australians live in cities and towns that are water and energy hungry and car-dependent. In fact we use more water and energy and own more cars per person than in almost any other developed country.
We need to re-think the way we live and invest in clean, renewable energy, and sustainable water and public transport. We need an exciting vision for a better way of life. And we should start by taking advantage of the wasted rainfall and solar energy that falls on every suburban roof.
A network of rainwater tanks across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne could create a virtual dam. Solar panels on city rooftops could form a clean, sustainable power station. Our car dependent cities that fuel asthma and obesity could be transformed into clean, effi cient places with great public transport and healthier Australians.
Our cities are a long way from achieving this vision. Lack of investment in sustainable infrastructure means that many people who want a cleaner, healthier lifestyle are denied it.
A major Commonwealth sustainable cities program, working with the States and city councils, can help build the smart, sustainable and liveable cities of the future.
We are blessed with simple solutions to help Australian families reduce water, energy and waste. We know how to save money and be more sustainable. Technology advances mean that the most effi cient appliances, lights and cars use far less energy than the average.
If we all used these cost effective technologies, we would save 30-50% of energy in our homes and cut our energy bills. These simple advances would also help protect families from future fuel, energy and water price increases. Australia is well placed to take advantage of these wonderful opportunities and play a leadership role throughout the region. Action is already long over due.
To build smart, sustainable cities and towns Australia must:
3.1 Green our homes – Establish a massive new $1 billion a year national effort to retrofit Australian homes - providing innovative fi nancing solutions that encourage investment in water and energy effi ciency measures, including proper insulation, solar hot water systems and rainwater tanks.
3.2 Build liveable suburbs – Ensure that new developments do not add to the existing drain on service delivery and our natural resources and adequately consider the impacts of climate change.
3.3 Invest in public transport – Establish a major Commonwealth transport program that invests in urban public transport infrastructure, reverses the current bias towards roads and ensures carbon costs are considered in all transport decisions.
3.4 Promote cleaner cars – Mandate fuel effi ciency standards equivalent to those in urope for all new cars sold in Australia, remove perverse fringe benefi ts tax concessions for corporate cars and redirect funds to assist the Australian car industry to retool to meet the new standards.
3.5 Ensure world’s best new buildings – Introduce world’s best practice water and energy effi ciency standards for all new buildings and homes.