The ACT Legislative Assembly has passed a motion calling on the government to set a clear direction for the territory’s next climate change strategy, while voting down a push to bring forward the ACT’s net zero target by five years.
The motion, moved by ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury on Tuesday, passed with the support of the full Assembly.
It calls on the government to reduce ground transport emissions; phase out fossil fuel gas; invest in climate adaptation and disaster readiness; restrict fossil fuel sponsorship and advertising; and improve coordination across government portfolios.
Mr Emerson also tabled a community-led submission to the government’s climate strategy consultation process, developed through a roundtable with more than 20 local climate organisations, experts and advocates. Its 35 proposals include expanding the sustainable household scheme to cover e-bikes; trialling balcony solar panels for renters and apartment dwellers; funding bike and walking buses for school children; upgrading school infrastructure for extreme heat; and separated bike lanes on Northbourne Avenue.
“For too long, climate policy settings have tended to favour wealthier community members who’ve been able to purchase EVs, solar panels and home batteries,” Mr Emerson said. “It’s unfair that those who most need protection from fuel price shocks and rising power costs are often the most exposed to these risks because they’ve been unable to participate in the energy transition. We need to do more to actually follow through on the promise of a just transition.”
Read the article here: https://canberradaily.com.au/motion-on-acts-future-climate-strategy/