A~ USTRALIA. JL
FOR MEDIA SATURDAY, JUNE 5 1982
TELEVISION ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY OF
LAUNCH OF THE AUSTRALIAN YEAR-OF THE TREE
( One Minute Statement)
On World Environment Day, the United Nations Association
of Australia launched the Year of the Tree.
Trees soften the hard edge of the city landscape, clean
the air and provide a buffer agaiLnst noise. They are
important to the farmer. They provide a renewable source
of valuable materials and, of course, they provide a home
for Australia's unique wildlife.
Unfortunately, there are fewer and fewer trees in Australia
despite the planting and conservation efforts of governments
organisations and individuals. Tree decline affects the
standard of living of all Australians. A major national
tree programme is one of the proposals for the Australian
Bi-Centenary in 1988.
Over the next year the Government will make a start with a
pilot project to cost half a million dollars. Apart from
helping the Year of the Tree campaign, the Government will
encourage people across Australia to learn about trees, to
plant them and to care for them. There will be demonstration
projects on tree planting and support for national communitybased
activities.
Trees are an important part of our heritage. The Year of the
Tree deserves and needs the support of all Australians. / 2 r-I
-2-
PRIME MINISTER'S ADDRESS
( Five Minute Film)
On World Environment Day the United Nations Association of
Australia launched the Year of the Tree.
They are part of the uniqueness of our national heritage.
Trees help farmers to maintain and even increase the
productivity of land halting the loss of water and soil.
Although our timber and paper come from trees, modern
forestry can ensure that those trees are renewed.
Few city dwellers can deny that trees soften the hard edge
of the urban. landscape. Their shade is welcome on a hot and
sunny day. They even help buffer the noise of traffic.
For our native animals they're much more than something
beautiful. to) look at: indeed they're essential for the
survival of most species.
Unfortunately, there are fewer and fewer trees in Australia,
despite the planting and conservation efforts of Governments,
organisations and individuals. Vast areas of forest and
bushland have been cleared for farming, roads, power lines
and towns. Trees are still being l. ost through land clearing,
and also through soil erosion and salinity, disease and fire.
The loss of our trees has now reached a critical stage.
Less than 5% of the nation is now covered, and there are
many serious local problems. Tree decline affects the standard
of living ofE all Australians. It reduces the productivity of
land, lowers rainfall, and degrades the environment.
A major national tree programme is one of the proposals for
the Australian Bicentenary in 1988. Over the next year the
Government wdill make a start with a pilot project to cost half'
a million . dollars. Apart from helping the Year of the Tree
campaign, the Government will encourage people across Australia
to learn about trees, to plant them and to care for them.
There will be demonstration projects on tree planting and
support for national community-based activities.
You can plant and conserve trees use only waste timber
for firewood respect fire restrictions and save
newspapers and cartons for recycling.
Trees are for our future. They're for the future of our
children and for the future of their children. The Government
can help, but to be successful, to ensure a successful future,
every one of us needs to be involved.