VICTORIAN CLIMATE STRATEGY KEY TO STRONG & SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

The Andrews Labor Government’s Climate Change Strategy will reduce emissions, future-proof our state’s economy and create secure jobs and investment for all Victorians. 

 Commenting on the release of the strategy today, the Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous, said the plan provides a blueprint that sets out a clear path to reach net-zero emissions whilst creating jobs for the future.

“We’re not waiting on the Morrison Government to act. This strategy sets a course for Victoria to cut emissions, move to affordable renewable energy, protect our environment and create jobs,” she said.

Underpinning the plan are ambitious and achievable emissions reduction targets of 28-33% by 2025 and 45-50% by 2030 on the way to net-zero emissions by 2050.  This puts Victoria at the forefront of climate change action nationally and internationally.

The plan follows the Labor Government’s commitment to move our state to a clean energy economy powered by 40% renewable electricity by 2025 and 50% renewable electricity by 2030.

This strategy will ensure energy is more affordable for Victorian households and businesses through cheaper renewable energy, helping to drive down power bills. 

This investment in new renewable energy capacity in Victoria will also power Victorian Government operations – that’s our hospitals, schools, trains and police stations – with 100% renewable electricity by 2025. 

It builds on Victoria’s record $1.6 billion investment to fast-track the next generation of renewable energy projects and innovation announced in the Victorian Budget 2020/21 , with strong emissions reduction policies and programs across sectors and industries to achieve this goal.

In transport, the Government has set a target for zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) to make up 50% of all new light vehicle sales by 2030, with grants of up to $3,000 to help Victorians buy ZEVs.

In agriculture, the Government will invest almost $20 million in cutting-edge research and development to help farmers reduce emissions on the land, including $3.9 million on two trials of methane-inhibiting stock feed. A further $15.3 million for the Victorian Carbon Farming Program will also help farmers plant trees, working towards our target of up to 30 million new trees.

The Climate Change Strategy details how the Government is partnering with businesses and communities to act on climate change and protect jobs. It will work to cut emissions, shift to affordable and renewable energy sources, protect and enhance our environment, boost investment and create sustainable jobs.

You can access the Climate Change Strategy here: www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/victorias-climate-change-strategy