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Home > Smart State Strategy > Smart State Progress Report highlights 2006/07 > Sustainable development for future prosperity

Sustainable development for future prosperity

Under the Smart State Strategy, economic growth and sustainable development go hand in hand. Queensland is cultivating a smart approach to resource use, environmental protection and safeguarding amenity so that future Queenslanders can enjoy the same natural environment and lifestyle benefits that are enjoyed today.

Making the most of water: Rural water use efficiency programs are reducing irrigation consumption significantly in rural industries while efficiency measures and restrictions have reduced urban water demand from Wivenhoe, Somerset and North Pine Dams from its peak of 853 megalitres per day three years ago to 469 megalitres per day in June 2006.

SEQ urban water usage is falling

Protecting natural habitat: Historic land clearing legislation to halt broad-scale vegetation clearing by the end of 2006 marks a major turning point in stopping habitat decline and will deliver the single largest reduction in greenhouse emissions ever in Australia.

Last reviewed 24 October 2006
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Investment in new technologies to improve sustainability

Queensland will continue to be reliant on coal for the major share of its electricity generation for decades to come. Internationally, initiatives using clean coal technologies (CCTs) are being developed which will enhance the environmental performance of coal.

Extensive research is currently being undertaken with $300 million invested by the Queensland Government to develop CCTs. Linked to CCTs is the opportunity to undertake carbon sequestration which will facilitate the disposal of carbon dioxide into the earth and minimise the release of greenhouse gases.