ACT GOVERNMENT SETS MILESTONE GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION TARGETS

The ACT Labor Government will set targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2020, and 80% by 2050, based on 1990 levels, Minister for the Environment Climate Change and Water, Simon Corbell, announced today.

Mr Corbell will today table the milestone targets with the Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Bill 2010.

"Last year the ACT Government announced its commitment to make Canberra carbon neutral by 2060 and these targets set important milestones towards implementation of that long term goal," Mr Corbell said.

"The ACT Government has consulted widely on potential targets for greenhouse gas reduction in the Territory, and has analysed evidence based arguments on human caused global warming.

"Governments have a responsibility to act on this issue, and the ACT Labor Government is leading Australia on reducing our carbon footprint by increasing the uptake of renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency in Canberra homes and businesses."

The Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Bill 2010 formally set out the Government commitment to carbon neutrality by 2060 and peaking in per capita emissions by 2013. In addition, it:

prescribes regular reporting to the Legislative Assembly on the ACT's greenhouse gas emissions trends;
establishes a Climate Change Council, which will provide independent advice on climate change issues as they effect business and the wider community; and
encourages private entities to take action through voluntary sector agreements with Government.
"The Bill sets out a clear reporting process for Government to provide updates, for each financial year, on progress to an independent entity, which initially will be the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission," Mr Corbell said.

"Reaching these targets will be a challenge, but it is not a challenge that cannot be achieved."

The Government today released consultant's reports that identify policy options available to achieve the targets established.

The Government commissioned consultancy firm Kinesis to produce the Action Plan 2: Primer report that showed that, left unchecked, ACT emissions are expected to rise to 40% above 1990 levels by 2020.

Consultancy firm Heuris Partners provided a separate report titled ACT Zero Net Emissions Initiatives: Gap Analysis & Opportunity Identification. This report emphasises the importance of shifting the focus on the debate on climate change to one of shared responsibility for reduced environmental impacts.

"The Government will work closely with all sectors of the community including the community sector, industry and small businesses as well as households to achieve these milestones," Mr Corbell said.

"I am pleased that the ACT Labor Government is taking the threat of climate change seriously and is rolling out a progressive policy agenda to meet the challenges."

Media Contact:

Patrick Cronan 6205 0401 0432 758 224 patrick.cronan@act.gov.au