Environment group Friends of the Earth have called on the Andrews government to set ambitious Victorian Renewable Energy Targets as the ACT government announces a ramped up target of 100 percent renewable by 2020.
"The ACT has secured its position as a national leader by lifting its Renewable Energy Target to 100 percent,” said Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth renewable energy spokesperson.
“Its ambitious policy is creating jobs, attracting investment, and will help the territory tackle climate change."
"The Andrews government can lead by setting ambitious and achievable Victorian Renewable Energy Targets in its forthcoming Renewable Energy Action Plan."
"The community is calling out for Premier Daniel Andrews to put Victoria on a pathway to 100 percent renewable. A strong 2020 target is the first step on that path."
The Andrews government committed to Victorian Renewable Energy Targets for 2020 and 2025 in its draft renewables policy released last year—including a baseline pledge of at least 20 percent renewable by 2020.
A recently released Friends of the Earth report, Making Victoria the Place to Be for Renewable Energy, found the state could hit at least 30 percent renewable by 2020 with policies to maintain medium growth of rooftop solar and build the wind farms that are already approved.
“The Andrews government can create jobs and secure investment in Victoria by setting a respectable target of 30 percent by 2020,” said Leigh Ewbank.
Renewable energy policies from state and territory government have provided a lifeline for the sector amid Federal government attacks.
“The Federal government’s attacks on renewable energy saw investment collapse by 90 percent in one year and over 2,500 people lose their jobs,” said Leigh Ewbank.
"Renewable Energy Targets will make Victoria will a safe-haven for the renewable energy sector."
A strong coalition of support for renewable energy ambition has emerged in Victoria.
The Victorian Trades Hall Council, Municipal Association of Victoria, City of Melbourne, and environment groups have called for ambitious Victorian Renewable Energy Targets in submissions to the state government.
Friends of the Earth call on all parties to support growing renewables by taking a bipartisan approach.
The appointment of the first ever shadow Renewable Energy Minister David Southwick shows the Liberal Party is modernising its position on renewable energy.
"Opposition Leader Matthew Guy can bolster his renewable energy credentials by supporting Victorian Renewable Energy Targets," added Leigh Ewbank.
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Leigh Ewbank
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