The SA Government last week released what is described as “the most powerful vision for climate action of any South Australian government in history”.
The Climate Change Action Plan 2021-2025 provides an ambitious practical approach to dealing with a changing climate, building a strong green economy and further reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The plan includes 68 actions, across seven focus areas, that build on South Australia’s leadership in renewable energy to increase investment and jobs in low emissions and climate resilient business and industry over the next five years.
South Australia’s transformation to a net zero emissions economy and a national and international exporter of clean energy could mean achieving a level of renewable energy that is more than five times the current local grid demand by 2050.
Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said the action plan was developed with input and advice from renowned climate change expert Professor Ross Garnaut AC and the Premier’s Climate Change Council.
“Today the Marshall Liberal Government proudly launches the South Australian Climate Change Action Plan 2021-2025, our practical approach to help build a strong, climate smart economy, further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support South Australia to adapt to a changing climate,” Minister Speirs said.
“Demand for low emissions and climate smart products is growing and South Australia is well equipped to use our abundance of sun, wind and other natural resources to take full advantage of this growing demand.
“The Marshall Liberal Government is committing to a range of actions that will support progress towards our state’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
“We recognise that acceleration of South Australia’s response to climate change will require leadership and action by governments, industries, businesses and the community.
Importantly, our Government will work to create a business environment that drives market-led opportunities.
“The plan includes practical actions including renewable energy investment, greening our cities to cool them, supporting agricultural adaption and innovation, helping business and communities to address climate risk, adapting natural resources and improving our ability to plan and prepare for more frequent bushfires and other natural hazards.
“This plan will lead us to be a stronger, more resilient export economy – both domestically by exporting power through interconnectors to NSW and Victoria and internationally as exporter of clean hydrogen and other low emissions products.”
Premier’s Climate Change Council Chair Martin Haese said the Climate Change Action Plan 2021-2025 outlined practical actions that government was taking now, as well as critical work to lay the foundation for the next five years.
“This Climate Change Action Plan will accelerate South Australia’s climate change response and help build a climate smart state that is more prosperous, liveable and resilient,” Mr Haese said.
New funding, linked to the Climate Change Action Plan that was announced in the budget includes:
• Additional $18m for the Home Battery Scheme.
• $8.5m in 2020-21 – New solar photovoltaic and battery storage capacity at the Central Power-House in Umuwa.
• $37m over 4 years for upgrade upgrade of the Port Bonython jetty to support hydrogen and ammonia export.
• $19.8m contribution to SA Water’s new desalination plant on Kangaroo Island.
• $18.3m over 4 years for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
• $28m over 4 years to undertake more hazard reduction burns in the Mount Lofty Ranges and in Kangaroo Island as well as on private conservation lands in collaboration with landholders and the Country Fire Service.
• $60m over 2 years for capital upgrades to government buildings to improve energy efficiency and deliver long-term electricity cost savings to the state, prioritising upgrades across the government’s largest energy users.
Find out more at environment.sa.gov.au/topics/climate-change/cli-
