State Plan Priority E3: Cleaner air and progress on greenhouse gas reductions
Premier Morris Iemma today said the NSW Government will invest $70 million on two new programs to reduce water and energy consumption, and drive down greenhouse gas emissions.
Mr Iemma said the Renewable Energy Development Program and the Public Facilities Program were part of the NSW Government's $340 million Climate Change Fund which helps the community reduce its carbon footprint.
"Climate change is already upon us and unless we take decisive action now it will continue to get worse for future generations," Mr Iemma said.
"Its impacts are already being felt - rising temperatures, severe drought and savage storms.
"Even native plants are flowering earlier and the last five years have been amongst the hottest on record.
"That's why doing nothing is not an option - it would have catastrophic impacts and that's why my Government has consistently been a leader on this issue.
"We're taking the hard decisions because climate change is not a fringe issue - it's at the centre of our economic well-being."
Mr Iemma said the Renewable Energy Development Program and the Public Facilities Program are together expected to annually save more than:
- 90,000 megawatt-hours of electricity (equivalent to power for 11,500 homes);
- 27 Mega Watts of peak electricity demand;
- 96,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions (equivalent to 21,000 cars off the road) and;
- Two billon litres of water (equivalent to water use in 9,000 homes).
Mr Iemma said the Renewable Energy Development Program offered $40 million to get new renewable energy technologies from the drawing board to the marketplace.
"A low emission future depends on our capacity to generate clean, green energy and this program provides financial backing for new ideas and technologies," Mr Iemma said.
Mr Iemma said the $30 million Public Facilities Program which was also opened today provides funding for water and energy saving projects in public or educational facilities.
"Community centres, sporting clubs, town halls, libraries and other public buildings can apply for funds to reduce their energy and water consumption," he said.
The $340 million Climate Change Fund was established in July and includes seven programs targeting water, energy and greenhouse gas emissions savings. It includes the successful $100 million residential rebate program which provides rebates for NSW householders to install rainwater tanks, greenhouse-friendly hot water systems and ceiling insulation.
Mr Iemma said first round applications for the new programs will open next week and remain open until February 2008. Applications will be assessed by an independent panel including members with relevant water and energy expertise.
Mr Iemma also said almost $8 million will be invested in helping local councils manage the increased risk of flood associated with climate change.
"Flood management also takes on an increased importance as climate change makes our weather patterns more unpredictable.
"It's important we act now to ensure we manage the risk floods represent to homes and infrastructure across NSW."
