MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Billson
Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Bruce Billson, today announced a further $2 million to help reduce Kiribati's vulnerability to the potential impacts of climate variability and climate change. The announcement comes as Kiribati celebrates it twenty-sixth year of independence this week.
'Australia is proud to be working closely with Kiribati as a friend and development partner, and I wish the people of Kiribati well on the anniversary of their independence,' Mr Billson said. 'Our two countries are strong supporters of regional organisations like the Pacific Islands Forum and I am confident that the friendly relations between Australia and Kiribati will continue to prosper in the coming year.
'The Kiribati Adaptation Program, in partnership with the Government of Kiribati and the World Bank, is a practical example of Australia's commitment to reducing the vulnerability of Pacific island communities to climate variability and climate change.
'Australia's $2 million contribution to the program will help improve the management of water resources, including village water supplies, through infrastructure upgrades, monitoring ground water quality, and improving sanitation to reduce groundwater pollution.
'The program provides the important co-benefits of addressing current water supply needs, and through good planning and investments now, reducing the potential long-term costs of adapting to climate change.
'Australia takes climate change very seriously and is taking effective, practical action to address the possible impacts of climate change in our region.
'Australia will continue pushing for a comprehensive global response to climate change, promoting mitigation and adaptation responses that are environmentally effective and economically efficient. Australia will also continue to support the scientific and technological research needed to underpin good policy,' Mr Billson said.
Media inquiries:
Vincent Sheehy (Mr Billson's office) 0419 910 379
AusAID (Public Affairs) 0417 680 590