Page 237 - Week 01 - Thursday, 15 December 2016
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During the week in Marrakech I was proud to tell the world how Canberra is one of these leading cities. It was also inspiring to meet with other cities and regional leaders at COP22 who are taking real action on global warming. The ACT’s 2020 renewable electricity plan is one way we are leading, and other jurisdictions around the world are following suit.
But there is much more to do than meet our 2020 renewable electricity target. Once our electricity is being generated without burning carbon, the next biggest sources of pollution in our city will be gas, transport and waste. To progress critical action, the ACT government will create a pathway to net zero emissions, with firm interim targets and clear steps. We intend to reach net zero emissions in the ACT by 2050 at the latest.
I am very pleased to see that in this Assembly all three political parties have agreed to support the targets of 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2020 and zero net emissions by 2050. This is a valuable moment of political accord, and I look forwarding to us working together, and showing what we can achieve in the ACT when we work for the same vision. We need to take this strong action now. I am optimistic that we can actually transition to the zero net emissions earlier than 2050. I will be leading a process to talk with the community, with business, with our research community and with the best and brightest in Australia about this pathway to zero emissions, and I expect we can start implementing this plan quickly. The successful path to zero net emissions will need to be a partnership between the community, the business sector and all parts of government.
In becoming a more sustainable and energy-efficient city, Canberra is demonstrating what cities in Australia, and globally, can achieve through progressive and innovative policy and programs. We are providing a model to other governments and cities in harnessing technological advances and proving what additional economic and social benefits can be realised. We are attracting some $500 million of investment and jobs to the local economy as well as creating export opportunities. This is consistent with the Chief Minister’s statement of ambition to create more opportunities for private investment in the capital, turning Canberra into a renewable energy industry hub and putting the ACT on the international stage.
I hope that by sharing the lessons I learned from attending COP22 we can further promote the ACT as a global leader and continue to play a strong role on emission reduction targets and 100 per cent renewable electricity.
I present the following paper:
Conference of Parties (COP22) in Marrakech—Ministerial statement, 15 December 2016.
I move:
That the Assembly take note of the paper.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
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