Ms THEOPHANOUS (Northcote): My question is to the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change. Last week our government announced a game-changing step toward achieving net zero emissions by 2050, with the release of our wind energy targets and our plan to deliver Australia’s first offshore wind farms. My question to the minister is: what will this incredible announcement mean for my electorate of Northcote in terms of access to affordable, reliable renewable energy? When I entered this Parliament I vowed to be a strong voice for my community on our climate and to push for ambitious, tangible change that would reduce emissions, lower household costs and create jobs. We have made huge strides in both large-scale and rooftop solar. We are reducing our reliance on gas and driving opportunities for green hydrogen. Now with a target of 9 gigawatts of wind energy by 2040 we will dramatically kick up the pace on achieving a renewable future by leveraging one of our best and most abundant resources—all while creating new jobs. Friends of the Earth Melbourne have said that this is a game changer for climate and jobs. My community are keen to hear more.
