PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Victorian government over the weekend unveiled its Climate Change Strategy and interim targets to keep Victoria on track to meet its target of net zero emissions by 2050, while also seizing the opportunities of climate action, including advancing technology, investing in new industries and creating Victorian jobs.
The state government is targeting to reduce emissions by 28% to 33% by 2025 and 45% to 50% by 2030.
The strategy is underpinned by strong action from the government, including investing more than A$100-million to transform Victoria’s transport sector, offering up to A$3 000 for Victorians who buy zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) and a target that 50% of all new car sales in Victoria will be ZEVs by 2030.
The government is also investing almost A$20-million to reduce emissions in its agriculture sector and work with farmers to make farms more sustainable. This includes A$3.9-million to fund world-leading research and trials of new feed to reduce emissions from livestock.
A further A$15.3-million for the Victorian Carbon Farming Program will help farmers store more carbon in shelterbelt trees and engage in agroforestry.
The Climate Change Strategy follows the Victorian government’s major investment to transition the state to a cleaner economy, powered by 40% renewable electricity by 2025 and 50% by 2030.
Government operations, from schools and hospitals to police stations and metro trains, will also be powered with 100% renewable electricity by 2025 – an Australian first.
Victoria has already cut its emissions by 24.8% from 2005 levels, achieving its 2020 emissions reduction target two years early.