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.