I am delighted to launch the Federal Government’s Clean Air Champions Initiative at the 55th Melbourne Boat Show today.
The Clean Air Champions initiative will support work towards establishing the National Clean Air Agreement by bringing industry and communities together to support this important environmental objective.
Clean Air Champions are a select group of representatives from industry, community and academia and will be helping to raise awareness and knowledge of air quality issues through their own clean air activities.
I am pleased to announce that Mr Gary Fooks will be the first Clean Air Champion.
Mr Fooks has been involved in the outdoor power equipment and outboard motor industry for many years and has spent a decade working to reduce emissions from non-road spark ignition engines and equipment.
Mr Fooks is also chair of the Blue Sky Alliance, a group of manufacturers and distributors of non-road engine products, who believe that Australians deserve to breathe clean air.
I look forward to working with Mr Fooks along with other key industry bodies from the non-road spark ignition engines and equipment sector.
More Clean Air Champions will be announced shortly.
Non-road spark ignition engines and equipment includes a wide range of petrol powered equipment covering outboard marine engines and outdoor powered equipment. They are estimated to contribute up to 10 per cent of the overall level of air pollutants in urban environments in Australia.
The Commonwealth, in cooperation with States and Territories, is currently finalising a Decision Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) on options to reduce emissions from non-road spark ignition engines and equipment. It is anticipated that this work will be incorporated into the National Clean Air Agreement once established.
For more information on the National Clean Air Agreement: http://environment.gov.au/protection/air-quality/national-clean-air-agreement
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