PFAS Remediation Research Program

The Government will provide $34.1 million over five years from 2017 18 for research and associated activities related to per and poly fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). This funding includes:

  • establishment of a PFAS Remediation Research Program
  • additional resourcing for the Department of the Environment and Energy.

The PFAS Remediation Research Program will facilitate the development of innovative technologies to investigate and remediate PFAS contaminated substances, including soil and other solid contaminated debris, groundwater, waterways and marine systems. The cost of the Program is partially offset by the Department of Defence (Defence), with administration costs jointly funded by Defence and the Australian Research Council.

Heritage

The Government will provide $23.1 million over four years from 2018-19, and $5.7 million annually from 2022-23, to establish the Australian Heritage Grants Program (AHGP). The AHGP will provide grant funding to protect and promote places in Australia with Commonwealth, National or World Heritage values.

The cost of this measure will be met from savings from the rationalisation of the existing heritage grants programs and from within the existing resources of the Department of the Environment and Energy.

Great Barrier Reef

Building on the 2016-17 MYEFO measure Invest in Our Great Barrier Reef, the Government will provide $535.8 million over five years from 2017-18 to accelerate the delivery of Reef 2050 Plan activities.

This includes funding to:

  • build the Great Barrier Reef's (Reef) resilience to coral bleaching and extreme weather events through expanding the culling of the coral eating crown of thorns starfish and by improving the quality of water entering the Reef
  • progress a research and development program for science innovations for coral reef restoration and adaption to rising ocean temperatures
  • boost Reef health monitoring and reporting activities through the implementation of the Reef 2050 Integrated Monitoring and Reporting Program
  • expand the Joint Field Management Program with the Queensland Government
  • engage the community including traditional owners in Reef protection and sea country management, including through a Reef communications campaign.

Boost for western Sydney

The Government will provide $125.0 million over five years from 2017-18 to support infrastructure projects and liveability initiatives under the Western Sydney City Deal, including:

  • up to $50.0 million towards the development of a business case for Western Sydney Rail, including an investigation of integrated transport and delivery options for a full North South Rail Link from Schofields to Macarthur, to be funded on a 50:50 basis with the NSW Government
  • $60.0 million to improve community infrastructure in Western Sydney
  • $15.0 million to accelerate planning and zoning reforms to support housing supply in Western Sydney.

This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.