Dean Wells explains how he became the Environment Minister. He describes the importance of coastal legislation and the process and challenges of negotiating with developers. He describes how an original cause regarding canal development was a sticking point and the amendments that were made to circumvent this issue.
John Mickel discusses his time as Minister for Environment. He describes his focus on water conservation and the changing attitudes to water tanks. He describes his reliance on the department to provide sound advice.
John Mickel describes his appointment to the Beattie ministry after six years on the backbench. He describes his surprise at being appointed Minister for Environment in 2004.
Sallyanne Atkinson recalls her belief that she would win the 1991 election. She discusses the Brisbane Plan, which was a whole-of-government plan examining infrastructure and green space in Brisbane. She discusses media coverage of Council issues and she reflects on the mistakes of the Liberal Party campaign. She compares her final campaign with her first. She discusses the 2009 State government election.
Peter Ellis discusses his time as head of environmental control and the pressure of environmental groups upon the government. He discusses one of the early processes implemented to understand the environmental impacts of development projects. He discusses the broader problem for all governments on how to measure environmental impacts at the time.
Peter Ellis notes his move to join the Coordinator General Charles Barton, who became a key mentor for him, in environmental control. He discusses that his first job in environmental control was to look at noise legislation. He discusses the influence meetings with Barton had on his approach to public service meetings in his later career.
Peter Ellis discusses his early career in the geological survey of Queensland and the shift in attitudes in the 1960s when environmental issues emerged. He describes his work as a technical advisor to Arnold Bennett in the Royal Commission into oil drilling on the Great Barrier Reef. After completion of this work, he notes a turning point in his career when he became director of environmental control.
Molly Robson comments on her achievements, including species preservation and the introduction of legislation including the Environmental Protection Act, Wet Tropics Legislation, Great Barrier Marine Park Legislation, Nature Preservation and the Moreton Bay Act. She explains her pride at working with Indigenous groups. She comments on the frustrations and challenges of designing and implementing environment policy.
