Released 04/06/2018
On the eve of World Environment Day, Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability Shane Rattenbury has reflected on the ACT’s achievements to become a world leader in sustainability and climate action.
“This current generation has an environmental, economic and moral obligation to do our best to tackle the threats posed by climate change,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“Our actions are having a big impact here in the ACT, as well as influencing other Australian—and international—jurisdictions because they are both ambitious and achievable.”
Key achievements over the past year include:
- setting a nation-leading target of zero emissions by 2045 to remain a world leader in the ACT’s commitment to address climate change
- progressing towards 100% renewable electricity with the opening of the Williamsdale solar farm – which completes the ACT’s ‘solar highway’ – and the Sapphire 1 wind farm beginning to feed into the national grid
- releasing the Transition to Zero Emissions Vehicle Action Plan 2018 – 2021, which contains a variety of actions including new electric vehicle charging infrastructure and a Government commitment to a zero emission vehicle fleet
- The ACT Government’s $25 million Next Generation Energy Storage Program has supported the roll out of 580 more household battery storage systems, and more than 400 participating households took part in a trial of the world’s largest residential ‘virtual power plant’
- more than 3,100 households have been supported to improve their energy efficiency and sustainability by participating in Actsmart Household programs
- over 2,000 Canberra businesses received energy efficient lighting upgrades through the Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme, which is saving an average of $57 per week off their energy bills
- supporting community action through a range of projects under the Community Zero Emissions Grants.
Media event: The ACT Government is holding a World Environment Day display at City Walk tomorrow from 11.30 am to 2 pm. This will include a special visit by Brian the bettong from 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm. ACT Parks and Conservation’s Murrumbung rangers will teach visitors about culturally significant plants, and hands-on activities will show Canberrans where they can learn about reducing plastic in everyday life.
- Statement ends -
Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases
Media Contacts
| Name | Phone | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|---|