Tasmania is a leader in renewable energy, reducing emissions and fighting climate change, which is vital as we deliver our plan to secure Tasmania’s future.
We achieved 100 per cent self-sufficiency in renewable electricity last year, and have achieved our net zero emissions target in six of the past seven years.
As the world looks to reduce emissions, these strengths are not only good for our environment, they form an important part of our brand and competitive advantage.
The independent review of the Climate Change (State Action) Act has been completed by international consultancy firm Jacobs, and today I have tabled their final report.
More than 200 Tasmanians, community, research and industry organisations participated in the consultation earlier this year, with a key theme – that Tasmania could adopt a more ambitious target, to capitalise on our competitive strengths in a low carbon economy, while continuing to address climate change.
In line with this, and the latest science, the report makes several recommendations:
They would be among the strongest commitments in the nation, and the proposed emissions reduction target would be one of the most ambitious in the world.
The Government notes the recommendations of the review, and their clear direction.
It is exactly why we announced the establishment of Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania, to ensure we capture the opportunities from our globally unique position.
Tasmania is one of the only places that can say we have more renewable electricity than we use, and it comes at a time when companies, investors, and talented people from around the world are looking for it.
Importantly, expert economic modelling indicates that adopting a more ambitious target is both achievable and credible, and could generate higher economic growth and more jobs, and the Government will have more to say on this in time.
To ensure we get the right balance between leveraging our competitive advantages in renewable energy and our managed forest estate, while providing support and time for our other key sectors to transition to a low carbon economy, we will now undertake further targeted consultation with business, industry and the community on an appropriate emissions reduction target for Tasmania.
We will work through the Review, and the expert economic analysis, in a sensible and responsible way, with a view to finalising consultation and introducing a new Act to Parliament this year.