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                    Action needed by Victorian and Australian governments

                    Cities cannot do it alone. That’s why we are advocating for urgent policy changes by the Victorian and Australian governments.

                    We call upon the Victorian and Australian Governments to declare a climate and biodiversity emergency and to commit to a 1.5°C science-based target in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.

                    The Victorian Government needs to:

                    • Commit to a 65 to 75 per cent interim emissions reduction target by 2030 (in line with 1.5°C science-based target).
                    • Deliver 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030 and commit to develop a pipeline of actions to meet the target:
                      • Purchase 100 per cent renewable energy for its operations, including Metro Trains.
                      • Establish a rolling renewable energy program through reverse auctions.
                      • Directly invest in or accelerate upgrades to the transmission network.
                      • Prepare affected communities and industries for the rapid transition away from fossil fuels.
                    • Deliver gas free, climate ready buildings and precincts through the Victorian Planning System.
                      • Introduce state wide planning provision for environmentally sustainable design.
                      • Mandate all electric, climate ready new buildings.
                      • Commit to no new gas infrastructure in urban renewal areas.
                      • Advocate for strong changes to National Construction Code through Council of Australian Governments Energy Council and Building Ministers Forum.
                    • Invest in a zero emissions, fast, frequent public transport.
                      • Purchase 100 per cent renewable energy for Metro Trains.
                      • Deliver Metro Melbourne 2.
                      • Electrify Melbourne’s bus fleet.
                      • Extend trams and buses into urban renewal areas.
                    • Create a circular economy, designing out waste, and reusing materials to extend their lifespan.
                      • Introduce a container deposit scheme.
                      • Invest landfill levy in resource recovery infrastructure.
                      • Use government purchasing power to drive demand for recycled content.

                    The Australian Government needs to:

                    • Align to the best available science, increase Australian targets under the Paris Climate Agreement, introduce climate change legislation with a net zero target and avoid double counting.
                    • Increase funding for health and emergency services, habitat restoration and infrastructure to respond to heatwaves, droughts, bushfires and floods.
                    • Support investment in biodiversity and resilience, carbon farming and other natural climate solutions by agreeing the Paris Climate Agreement rules for Article 6 to avoid double counting.
                    • Fast track strong changes to the National Construction Code to enable the transition to zero net emissions buildings.
                    • Create a circular economy by extending the responsibility of producers to design out waste and reuse materials.
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