Science-based climate change action & a just transition to renewable energy
Climate change action needs to happen today. Our children and grandchildren will be paying the high price in the future, not just in money, but with their livelihoods if we fail to turn things around now. We need urgent, science based, climate action. We don’t have to choose between environment and economy – each can coexist and improve the other. Climate change action does not mean sacrifice – it means building, prospering and future proofing. It will lead to lower costs of living, more jobs, and a thriving future.
As a community backed Independent, I am hearing our community wants a transition plan out of coal. As the elected member for Monash, I’ll ensure a stable and fair transition plan for coal workers to be reskilled and transitioned to long term jobs in renewable energy and related industries.
I support a goal to reduce our carbon emissions by 74% (on 2005 levels) by 2030, and achieve net zero by 2035 – this is what the IPCC says is needed to keep warming to 1.5 degrees. It is an ambitious goal, but us Australians are ambitious people, and with the right policy and investment I believe this is achievable. Bass Coast Shire has a comprehensive Climate Action Plan to be net zero by 2030. Tasmania is already at net zero. We should be setting ambitious goals to reduce our emissions as much and as soon as possible, to ensure the best future for our children.
This policy will:
As a community backed Independent, I am hearing our community wants a transition plan out of coal. As the elected member for Monash, I’ll ensure a stable and fair transition plan for coal workers to be reskilled and transitioned to long term jobs in renewable energy and related industries.
I support a goal to reduce our carbon emissions by 74% (on 2005 levels) by 2030, and achieve net zero by 2035 – this is what the IPCC says is needed to keep warming to 1.5 degrees. It is an ambitious goal, but us Australians are ambitious people, and with the right policy and investment I believe this is achievable. Bass Coast Shire has a comprehensive Climate Action Plan to be net zero by 2030. Tasmania is already at net zero. We should be setting ambitious goals to reduce our emissions as much and as soon as possible, to ensure the best future for our children.
This policy will:
- Benefit the environment
- Reduce the chance of escalating future climate disasters
- Create local jobs
- Boost the economy
- Improve the export market
- Lower the cost of living for the community
Investment in renewable energy
I support investment in renewable energy and propose to utilise the skilled energy generation workforce & infrastructure that already exists in parts of the electorate. Constituents of Moe and surrounds have had a longstanding involvement with the Latrobe Valley power industry. The transition to renewable energy and creation of jobs in the renewable sector as coal and gas are phased out will ensure a seamless transition to a successful and sustainable economy.
“ Renewable energy is already cheaper than fossil fuels, employs more people – particularly in regional Australia - and can be rapidly expanded. Australia has many competitive advantages that are the envy of the world: we are the sunniest and one of the windiest countries and have the space and technical expertise necessary to make use of our renewable resources. Tapping into renewable energy can repower our homes, businesses and transport. It can also become the foundation for new low and zero carbon manufacturing industries, tapping into growing global demand.”
(Reference: https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/hitting-home-report-V7-210122.pdf)
Investment in renewable green hydrogen energy will provide Australia with an opportunity to build a world-leading renewable export industry, setting up economic prosperity for generations to come.
Australia has the opportunity to get in at the ground level and become a global powerhouse of green energy production and export. But to lead the world, we need to invest.
I will not support construction any new coal, oil or gas new coal, oil and gas infrastructure - this is last century's technology. We need to focus on the future. Fossil fuel subsidies need to be reviewed - this industry is reaching the end of its life. These funds should be redirected toward new renewable energy sector, and transitioning the fossil fuel power workforce into new green clean energy jobs.
Solar Panels and Batteries for Households, Businesses, Farms and Community Organisations
I support increased subsidies and interest free loans to enable every household, business, farm and community organisation access to solar panels and batteries. This includes facilitating solar and batteries for rented premises. People in rentals are often on lower incomes, and can benefit most from solar energy. Small businesses are often in rented premises, so access to solar power is problematic. This policy will reduce energy costs of businesses, thus increasing their bottom line. Solar and battery power will ensure stable supply of energy so farms and businesses are not disrupted by power outages causing business losses.
Electric vehicles
Imagine if you never had to buy petrol again. How much money would this save you in a year?
In rural and regional areas, we tend to do a lot more kilometres on the road than our city counterparts. An increase in the price of petrol affects our hip pocket more than it does for those in the city, that do less traveling and have better access to public transport.
I will fight for tax incentives or subsidies to bring the cost of electric vehicles down to be comparable with the price of petrol or diesel vehicles. In conjunction with a policy for increased subsidies for solar panels (including on rental premises), most people will be able to charge their vehicle from solar at home or at work, at no cost.
Biodiversity
I will make sure Australia has strong environmental laws to protect our fragile environment and safeguard threatened species from extinction.
I support investment in renewable energy and propose to utilise the skilled energy generation workforce & infrastructure that already exists in parts of the electorate. Constituents of Moe and surrounds have had a longstanding involvement with the Latrobe Valley power industry. The transition to renewable energy and creation of jobs in the renewable sector as coal and gas are phased out will ensure a seamless transition to a successful and sustainable economy.
“ Renewable energy is already cheaper than fossil fuels, employs more people – particularly in regional Australia - and can be rapidly expanded. Australia has many competitive advantages that are the envy of the world: we are the sunniest and one of the windiest countries and have the space and technical expertise necessary to make use of our renewable resources. Tapping into renewable energy can repower our homes, businesses and transport. It can also become the foundation for new low and zero carbon manufacturing industries, tapping into growing global demand.”
(Reference: https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/hitting-home-report-V7-210122.pdf)
Investment in renewable green hydrogen energy will provide Australia with an opportunity to build a world-leading renewable export industry, setting up economic prosperity for generations to come.
Australia has the opportunity to get in at the ground level and become a global powerhouse of green energy production and export. But to lead the world, we need to invest.
I will not support construction any new coal, oil or gas new coal, oil and gas infrastructure - this is last century's technology. We need to focus on the future. Fossil fuel subsidies need to be reviewed - this industry is reaching the end of its life. These funds should be redirected toward new renewable energy sector, and transitioning the fossil fuel power workforce into new green clean energy jobs.
Solar Panels and Batteries for Households, Businesses, Farms and Community Organisations
I support increased subsidies and interest free loans to enable every household, business, farm and community organisation access to solar panels and batteries. This includes facilitating solar and batteries for rented premises. People in rentals are often on lower incomes, and can benefit most from solar energy. Small businesses are often in rented premises, so access to solar power is problematic. This policy will reduce energy costs of businesses, thus increasing their bottom line. Solar and battery power will ensure stable supply of energy so farms and businesses are not disrupted by power outages causing business losses.
Electric vehicles
Imagine if you never had to buy petrol again. How much money would this save you in a year?
In rural and regional areas, we tend to do a lot more kilometres on the road than our city counterparts. An increase in the price of petrol affects our hip pocket more than it does for those in the city, that do less traveling and have better access to public transport.
I will fight for tax incentives or subsidies to bring the cost of electric vehicles down to be comparable with the price of petrol or diesel vehicles. In conjunction with a policy for increased subsidies for solar panels (including on rental premises), most people will be able to charge their vehicle from solar at home or at work, at no cost.
Biodiversity
I will make sure Australia has strong environmental laws to protect our fragile environment and safeguard threatened species from extinction.