Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Northe Calls for Clarity on Government Emission Reduction TargetsTransparency and clarity wanted around the energy policy and the content of Emission Reduction Target plans. By Portal Admin - 25th October 2020 - Back to News Member for Morwell Russell Northe has called upon the State Government to provide transparency and clarity around its energy policy, and specifically the content of its Emission Reduction Target plans to try and provide certainty around electricity supply, jobs and investment.
"The State Government has in recent years, introduced a raft of legislative changes that affect our energy industry and workers including the Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) that the Government has legislated to be 50% by 2030" Mr Northe began.
"VRET alone has created much uncertainty for Latrobe Valley based power generators but in addition, there is great anticipation as to the detail of the State Governments Emission Reductions Targets and what impact the decisions made within these target settings will ultimately be for the Latrobe Valley economy and community".
"Unfortunately, it seems the Government knows what these targets are, as they have been sitting on a report since March of this year but have failed to reveal any information despite being required to table their decision within 10 Parliament sitting days from 31 March 2020" Mr Northe continued.
The Department of Environment Land Water and Planning’s website states;
"Victoria's Climate Change Act 2017 establishes a long-term target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Act also requires five yearly interim emissions reduction targets to be set to keep Victoria on track to meet this long-term target. The first two interim targets – for 2025 and 2030 – must be determined by 31 March 2020 and the decision must be tabled in Parliament within 10 sitting days".
"I have previously sought information from the Government many times now, to show their rationale and modelling for their energy policy decision-making - to little avail. This continued culture of providing limited detail around their choices is frustrating and creating anxiety for many in the Latrobe Valley community given this is where the biggest impact of those decisions will likely occur" Mr Northe said.
"The Interim Emissions Targets for 2021-25 and 2026-30 were set on 31 March 2020 as required by the Climate Change Act 2017 but it seems only the Government is privy to the detail".
"As part of the Interim Emission Target policy the first set of associated sector pledges were to be determined on 1 August 2020 and in accordance with the requirements of the Act, but they also remain unreleased" Mr Northe continued.
"These delays cause flow on confusion and uncertainty at a time when business, industry and community can ill-afford".
"The Government have failed to provide any information or detail as to the status of its targets despite missing multiple timelines. Surely the Minister can at the very least provide some information as to when they will release its data and there appears to have been little or no dialogue with industry or community on same" Mr Northe lamented.
Mr Northe said "Whilst I understand that during the COVID-19 crisis it has been difficult for the Government to stay on track with its deliverables, I also think that a policy which has the potential to have a detrimental effect on our community must be transparently communicated to those in my community".
"My real fear is that the Governments VRET targets in addition to decisions yet to be announced around their interim emission targets could well hasten a premature closure of power stations within the Latrobe Valley" Mr Northe said.
"This is something we can ill-afford from an employment, economic, security of supply and pricing perspective in a local and Victorian sense, particularly given the challenges associated with COVID-19"
"Due to the distinct lack of direction in the sector, there are also investment opportunities that could potentially proceed if the industry had indeed some surety of the policy environment.
The current investor uncertainty impacts upon the region’s abilities to adequately plan "now" for the future" Mr Northe continued.
"I’m concerned that industries in our State which are already stretched economically, could have a whole new set of expensive regulatory requirements placed upon them within these imposed sector pledges. Radical changes and difficult challenges are not what these largescale employers need, right now" Mr Northe cautioned.
This sitting week, Mr Northe has once again, raised questions relating to the status of the Government’s proposed emission reduction target plans and the impacts upon affected industries – these are attached for your information.
"The activity towards the 2025 targets is meant to come into effect by 2021 – less than 90 days away. This does not provide a clear path for the sector, nor a clear path for the Latrobe Valley community" Mr Northe concluded.
Previous Questions Mr. Northe has put to the Minister for Energy regarding this issue;
modelling on the VRET's impact on the LV energy sector
Interim Emissions reductions targets & TAKE2 climate change pledges
modelling on electricity market within the Independent Expert Panel Report
Modelling on electricity market – question without notice
Victorian Renewable Energy Target legislation information;
Emissions Reductions Targets
TAKE2 Sector Pledges
Question on Notice | Russell Northe | 12 October 2020
The Member for Morwell Russell Northe to ask the Minister for Energy:
In relation to the Victorian Governments Energy policy;
- When is the Government planning to table their Victorian Interim Emissions Reduction Targets, legislatively obligated to be determined at 31 March 2020?
- When is the Government planning to publicly announce their TAKE2 climate change sector pledges, legislatively obligated to be determined by 1 August 2020?
- When is the Government planning to release its final Climate Change Strategy due 31 October 2020?
- Will the Government be changing any elements of these policy measures, following the effects of COVID-19 on the economy?
- If yes, what elements will be subject to change?
- Will the Government consult again with the industries that are specifically affected by the Interim targets, TAKE2 sector pledges, and Climate Change Strategy, before they are tabled or released?
- How does the Government plan to provide clarity and certainty for these industries during this industry reform in a post COVID-19 environment?
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
Related Articles- David Littleproud slams Labor's 2035 emissions reduction target as costly, and damaging to families, jobs, and communities
Nationals leader David Littleproud criticised Labor's 2035 emissions target as reckless and costly, warning it would raise taxes, increase energy bills, hurt regional communities, and threaten jobs, families, and industries. - Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund. - Albanese government limits tribunal powers, undermining veterans' rights and restricting reviews of military honours
The Albanese government has limited the Defence Honours Tribunal, banning reviews of actions over 20 years old, restricting veterans' appeals, and undermining independent recognition of historic military bravery. - Allan Labor government backs regional footy and netball with $1.5M from 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program
The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation. - Allan Labor government backs First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with new sports grants
The Allan Labor government has announced over $67,000 in Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants, supporting First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with travel, uniforms, and equipment to compete locally and nationally. - Labor government backs Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve upgrades with major investment in cricket, football and community facilities
Works have begun on Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve, delivering oval upgrades, lighting, new changerooms, and improvements through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, boosting community sport, events, jobs, and local participation. - Labor government slammed as Gippsland crime soars, Danny O'Brien warns communities are failed by weak laws
Danny O'Brien says Gippsland crime is surging under Labor, with major increases across all councils. He warns weakened laws, police shortages, and neglect leave communities unsafe, demanding stronger action and real consequences. - Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management. - Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets. - Melina Bath urges Labor government to scrap emergency services tax as VFF survey shows farmers' frustration and concern
The Nationals' Melina Bath urged the Allan Labor government to scrap the emergency services tax, citing VFF survey findings showing widespread financial, mental, and regulatory pressures on Victorian farmers. - Melina Bath criticises Labor government shutting public beekeeping, threatening Victoria's food security and horticultural jobs
Melina Bath condemned the Allan Labor government's closure of public land beekeeping, warning it threatens food security, pollination, horticultural exports, and regional jobs, calling for policy reversal and support for apiarists. - Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals. - Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures. - Martin Cameron slams Allan Labor government over year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings
Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Labor's year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings, after multiple ministerial referrals left residents concerned about neglect, squatters, and ongoing government inaction. - Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs. - Darren Chester slams Albanese government veterans medal review limit, undermining Tribunal independence
Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned Labor's legislation imposing a 20-year limit on veterans' medal reviews, arguing it undermines the Tribunal's independence and disenfranchises veterans and families seeking fair recognition. - Nationals' $100M Safer Communities Plan targets crime crisis with tough laws and prevention programs across Gippsland
Martin Cameron backed a $100 million Safer Communities Plan, promising tougher laws and prevention programs to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, restore community safety, and support at-risk youth, contrasting Labor's cuts. - Tim Bull demands transparency on missing $13.15M for cancelled Marlo to Cape Conran pathway
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has demanded answers on the missing $13.15 million for the cancelled Marlo - Cape Conran pathway, urging funds be redirected locally if the project is abandoned.
|
|
