Victoria’s Andrews government has today announced the largest energy efficiency package in the state’s history, a $797 million plan that will deliver home energy upgrades to over 250,0000 households, offer immediate bill relief to people facing hardship during the pandemic, set new home energy standards while accelerating the rollout of rooftop solar around the state.
“This is an unprecedented investment in energy efficiency that will ease the cost of living for people on low-incomes, create thousands of jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Cam Walker, campaigns coordinator at Friends of the Earth.
“It’s a win-win for climate action that delivers for the people that need it most as we all grapple with the economic impacts of COVID-19,” added Walker.
The landmark package demonstrates that the Andrews government takes action on climate change seriously and is investing in solutions that will deliver for the community and jobs.
Together these announcements will make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating thousands of jobs, while improving living standards by delivering cheaper power bills.
The announcement comes a day after the state government announced $2.2 billion to begin stage one of the Suburban Rail Loop, and leading up to an important decision on Emissions Reduction Targets for the state.
“The Andrews government announcement builds momentum towards the imminent decision on the state's first interim Emissions Reduction Targets,” said Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth's climate justice spokesperson.
In a joint statement coordinated by the Climate Council in November, Friends of the Earth joined community service organisations, peak bodies and climate groups in calling on the Andrews government to urgently invest in energy efficiency measures.
Today’s announcement is a win for everyone who has been advocating for energy efficiency for many years.
Friends of the Earth and community members will be calling on the Andrews government to set science-based Emissions Reduction Targets during a Day of Action on Sunday 29 November.
Organisers believe this will be the last chance to influence the government on this important decision.
For further comment please contact:
Cam Walker, FoE Campaigns Coordinator: [email protected], 0419 338 047
Leigh Ewbank, FoE Act on Climate Coordinator: [email protected], 0406 316 176
