People living and working in regional areas are closely connected to the land and have an appreciation for the environment and sustainable development. We want to maintain our pristine beaches and oceans, have well managed forests, productive farms and great outback spaces.
The Nationals WA are committed to sustainability in many forms – alternative energy sources, recycling, researched programs to address land degradation and salinity.
Climate Change
The Nationals WA acknowledge climate change, resulting in more extreme and variable weather patterns.
A key strategy to mitigate climate change is to work to minimise greenhouse gas emissions – this includes working with industry and big business to reduce emissions; promote the use of renewable energy; and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
The Nationals WA are committed to:
- Assisting our communities and businesses adapt to climate change, and manage any potential economic and social costs
- Aiming to find ways to mitigate the effects of climate change
- Enabling communities and businesses to capture any opportunities which may arise as a result of climate change
- Banning unnecessary packaging
- Ensuring regional people and businesses have the tools to adapt to the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030
- Implementing waste minimisation education initiatives
- Exploring incentivising options to encourage and promote agricultural practices that sequester carbon in the soil
- Banning the intentional release of helium balloons
Water
Water security in our drying climate is vital for the growth of our regions – to provide quality drinking water as well as ensuring businesses and farms can maximise their potential.
The Nationals WA support reforms to water legislation to ensure water supply, licences and environmental flows are sustainable and equitable. We also back programs and initiatives encouraging and assisting greater water efficiency and improving the health of our surface and sub-surface waterways.
Water provides huge potential to diversify regional economies and boost production outside traditional growing areas. We are committed to exploring, identifying and using water sustainably to grow output and provide economic opportunities.
Conservation
The Nationals WA support research to establish whether rare and endangered flora and fauna exist on reserves or in areas of remnant vegetation on agricultural private property located within rural Shires, and will designate ‘environmentally sensitive areas’ if rare flora and fauna are found. We also believe compensating landowners who assist in protection rare flora and fauna in the interest of the State biodiversity requirements is fair.
