The Victorian Government’s, Jobs for the Future Economy action plan is a positive, proactive step forward by the Brumby Government for a sustainable future, says Australia’s leading household sustainability organisation, the Alternative Technology Association (ATA).
Ian Porter, ATA CEO, welcomed the plan. “We need to prepare all aspects of our economy for a sustainable future, and investing in new environmentally sustainable job creation while providing training and development for tradespeople is important in this.”
“The Victorian Government’s approach is in contrast to the recent collapse of climate action by the Commonwealth Government,” said Mr Porter.
“We see some very positive signals here and we look forward to more from this government over coming months – with an Energy Statement and White Paper on Climate Change expected.”
“ATA hopes that all state governments will look at taking a more active role in the area of climate change given the unfortunate absence of a national carbon pollution reduction scheme.”
Of particular interest to ATA and its members are:
- The new Solar Energy Hubs program seeing $5 million to support the purchase and installation of solar panels;
- Elements of the Green Plumbing Initiative, including $5 million for additional rebates for rainwater tanks, $750,000 for the replacement of low-flow showerheads and $600,000 to double the rebate for dual flush toilets;
- The demonstration of CFCL’s BlueGen technology in 30 public housing properties; and
- The $5 million Building a Green Future fund to encourage registered building practitioners to upgrade sustainability-related skills.
The ATA did, however, call on the Victorian Government to strengthen elements of the Action Plan over time.
In regard to residential buildings, while ATA supports the move to 6-Star standards for all new homes, we believe there is the opportunity to go further.
“Research has demonstrated that for marginal additional cost, the move from 6 to 7 stars represents significant savings over the lifetime energy and environmental costs of a building,” says Mr Porter.
“As new homes are only a very small part of Victoria’s housing stock, the Government must strongly consider how it will achieve greater energy and water efficiency of our existing housing stock, such as through large scale retro-fit programs and mandatory building performance standards at point of sale or lease.’”
This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 5th, 2010 at 6:05 pm