29 April 2010
1-2pm
Forestry Lecture Theatre
Forestry Building 48, Linnaeus Way
Australian National University
Dr Maxine Cooper
Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment, A.C.T.
Abstract:
The Commissioner is undertaking an Investigation into the Government?s tree management practices and the renewal of Canberra?s urban forest with a report due by the end of June 2010.
The investigation has broad terms of reference ranging across existing tree management programs; the relationship with climate change; communication and consultation with the community; environmental values and solar access and parks; the reuse of timber; replanting; contractor behaviour; decision-making about trees; changes to legislation and regulation; and resourcing the above.
The Commissioner will briefly outline some of the key issues that have been raised. A discussion on the reuse of timber, solar access and management of remnant trees will be encouraged.
Bio:
Dr Maxine Cooper is the inaugural full-time Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment, an expansion of the Office of the Commissioner for the Environment. Dr Cooper has extensive senior experience in the public and private sector. With the ACT Government she has been Executive Director, Arts, Heritage and Environment; Executive Director, Environment ACT; Executive Director, Enterprise Services; and Director, Territory Planning. Previously, she was Director, Environmental Management with Brisbane City Council; General Manager, Environment and Community with the NSW Government (Roads and Traffic Authority); and worked in private consultancy. She has held statutory positions as both Conservator of Flora and Fauna and Chief Animal Welfare Officer for the ACT.
Dr Cooper?s qualifications include a PhD (Environmental Planning), University of Melbourne, Victoria; a Master of Environmental Design (Environmental Science) University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; and a Bachelor of Arts (Urban and Regional Studies)Curtin University, Western Australia. She is a full member of both the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand, and the Planning Institute of Australia.
The Office of the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment aims to provide leadership on environmental sustainability by providing independent scrutiny, reporting and advice. It is committed to advancing practices that sustain and enhance the ACT's natural environment that are fundamental to the social and economic well-being of the existing and future generations. The Commissioner is appointed by the Minister for the Environment, Water and Climate Change and functions under its own independent legislation.
