Page 3898 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 25 September 2019
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From the scheme’s commencement in 2013 until mid-2019, the scheme has fulfilled its objectives and has helped more than 74,000 households and businesses save approximately $400 million over the lifetime of the energy-saving items installed. The strategy outlines plans to expand the energy efficiency improvement scheme to increase support and lower day-to-day energy costs for low income and vulnerable households.
The strategy outlines how a transition to renewable energy will reduce transport costs such as running costs and petrol costs and reduce energy costs through the transition to renewable energy and away from gas. Transport and gas will be the two largest sources of emissions from 2020. In order to reach our zero net emissions target, we need to address these emissions. The strategy outlines ways that our government will encourage a shift from gas by removing the requirement for gas connections in new suburbs, and will work to provide services, incentives and a regulatory framework to support this transition.
The transition away from gas will benefit the community by encouraging a shift to more cost-effective energy. All-electric buildings are currently more cost-effective than installing gas connections in new buildings. This is because electric heating and hot water technology are becoming increasingly efficient, so electrical appliances have lower running costs than their gas-powered counterparts. An all-electric approach would also reduce the cost of building homes in new suburbs, as it would avoid the need for costly new gas infrastructure to be built. I am pleased that the strategy outlines plans to conduct a campaign to support the transition from gas by highlighting electric options and savings opportunities for the ACT community.
As outlined, transport will be one of the greatest emitters when we move towards our targets. The strategy outlines plans to responsibly reduce car use and to trial and evaluate innovative approaches to planning and development. We will implement new approaches to increasing the productivity of key transport corridors, which will benefit the entire community and support access to the rapid bus and light rail network. The strategy also outlines measures to assist in the transition to zero emissions vehicles to support those needing cars to commute or travel by exploring and trialling financial incentives to support the uptake of zero emissions vehicles from 2021.
Across the ACT, maximum, minimum and average temperatures are already increasing and are projected to continue to rise. I am sure we all remember the last sweltering summer we experienced, when just walking outside was a challenge. We are seeing more days of extreme heat and increased severity of storms and bushfires, which will increase the risk to the health and wellbeing of the community, our environment and the city’s built assets and infrastructure.
I am pleased that the climate strategy works in conjunction with the ACT government’s new living infrastructure plan to increase the comfort and enviable lifestyle in our suburbs by keeping our streets, parks and houses cool, healthy and livable, with measures to ensure adequate tree cover and assess local needs for managing heat. An adequate tree canopy can reduce temperatures by 10 degrees. The
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