Page 1825 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 22 June 2021
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they live and work. The ACT is already well ahead of the curve here, with our wellbeing framework helping guide policy development and investment, as well as how we measure our progress. Our relative success in managing the public health response to the pandemic has increased our attractiveness as a destination for people to move to, to work in and to visit, unlike some jurisdictions around the world. Whilst the pandemic will continue to restrict overseas migration to Australia in the near term, which will impact population growth locally and nationally, Canberra continues to be a great place to live and work.
The ACT government’s vision for Canberra as progressive, inclusive, innovative and sustainable is reflected in our statement of ambition. By investing in Canberra, we are also giving the private sector confidence to invest and keep Canberrans employed. The territory’s 2020-21 budget included more than $300 million over the next five years to deliver on our climate action commitments, creating thousands of sustainable jobs. These commitments include helping Canberra households to invest in renewable energy upgrades through the sustainable household scheme and the delivery of the big Canberra battery.
Madam Speaker, helping households to transition to cheaper and more sustainable energy sources is a key component of the government’s emissions reduction strategy. We all recognise the financial benefits from the transition to a cleaner future, but for some Canberra households, the up-front costs are a significant barrier to entry. Offering zero-interest loans for rooftop solar panels, household battery storage, zero-emissions vehicles and energy-efficient electric appliances will mean that more Canberra households can make these important investments in their home.
The sustainable household scheme will save families hundreds of dollars a year, while reducing energy consumption in the territory. Importantly, it will enable households to benefit from these savings sooner without being burdened, or restricted, by large up-front costs. I am pleased to advise the Assembly that more than 5,000 households and 41 businesses have already registered to participate in the scheme. It is a very practical way for the government to partner with our community to share the benefits of a zero-emissions future, whilst at the same time creating more jobs for more Canberrans.
The ACT government is currently in the final stages of the procurement with a loans administrator to manage and administer the scheme. Over the coming days, the first group of home owners who have already registered their interest will be invited to apply for loans to help pilot the scheme before it is opened to a broader number of home owners in the coming months. The government will use feedback on the loans process from the pilot group to make any adjustments necessary ahead of the wider launch. This will help ensure the process is as smooth as possible for the thousands of households who have already registered interest. Around 90 per cent of ACT households will be eligible to apply. This includes home owners of standalone dwellings, townhouses and dual occupancies with an unimproved land value of less than $750,000 and unit-titled multistorey apartments with a land value of less than $200,000.
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