Tasman co-operation moves

Press, 11 July 1983, Page 9

Tasman co-operation moves

PA Wellington Moves towards greater Tasman co-operation on environmental issues and policies had been made by the Australian Environmental Council, said the Minister of Lands, Mr Elworthy, yesterday. Speaking from Alice Springs, where he is attending a meeting of the council, Mr Elworthy said it had been agreed that New Zea-

land and Australian officials would work towards “harmonising approaches on issues and policies.”

“Both countries have similar environmental concerns such as waste management, noise control, resource conservation, hazardous substances, and motor vehicle emissions. It is sensible therefore that where possible the two countries work together,” he said.

New Zealand officials

would meet their Australian counterparts in the coming year to work out a permanent basis for co-operation. One important area where Australia and New Zealand would work together was on the notification and assessment of chemicals, Mr Elworthy said. New Zealand would soon enforce regulations requiring New Zealand manufacturers to provide in-

formation on chemicals and their uses and this would provide the basis for an index of basic information. Many of the chemicals were used in both countries and there was considerable scope for the pooled information. Mr Elworthy considered that New Zealand was equal to or ahead of Australia in dealing with environmental problems.