Released 25/07/2017
The ACT’s Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability today accepted the Carbon Disclosure Project’s (CDP) award for Best Renewable Target, and called on cities, states and territories to show leadership in the face of inaction from the Federal Government.
Minister Rattenbury said that during a time where the Australian Federal Government is dragging its heels on climate action, and many are worried about the future Trump Administration, now more than ever cities, states and territories like the ACT must lead the way with ambitious climate action.
“I hope that the pioneering work the ACT has done will be taken up and mirrored by other cities and jurisdictions across the country and the world who can see from our success that a renewable energy powered future is possible,” Minister Rattenbury said.
“The ‘Davids’ are showing the ‘Goliaths’ how it is done. We cannot wait for the Prime Minister of Australia, or the President of the United States to decide that the long term interests of our communities, our economy, our Pacific neighbours or our environment are more important that the interests of the coal lobby.
“Having recently returned from the Conference of the Parties (COP22) in Marrakech, Morocco I was inspired by the strong action that cities are taking on climate change around the world, and the keen interest that businesses and regions showed in the ACT’s plan to reach100 per cent renewable electricity by the year 2020.
“The ACT has shown that transitioning to a productive, clean energy economy is good for the economy, good for industry and good for the environment.
“The ACT has attracted $1.5 billion in renewable energy and infrastructure investment, has delivered a 400 percent growth in renewable energy jobs over the last five years and is rapidly becoming a national and international hub for renewable energy research and training,” concluded Minister Rattenbury.
The ACT’s renewable generation capacity was procured using a reverse auction model which has delivered Australia’s lowest ever renewable electricity prices, well below industry expectations. The model has been so successful other jurisdictions such as Victoria and Queensland are following suit.
The ACT’s final round of reverse auctions will also see the ACT become a leader in household battery storage by sourcing funding from industry of up to $25 million for support to the installation of more than 5,000 batteries in households and businesses.
Speech available on request.
- Statement ends -
Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases
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