The Andrews government’s 2020-21 budget delivers a clean recovery for Victoria with a record $1.6 billion to accelerate the renewable energy transition and over $5 billion for Public Transport. 

Friends of the Earth say the record investment in climate, energy, and transport initiatives build momentum for the government to set science-based Emissions Reduction Targets—a decision on which is expected by the end of the year:

“The Andrews government budget will deliver a clean recovery for Victoria that will create thousands of jobs while cutting emissions,” said Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth campaigns coordinator.

Friends of the Earth welcomes Andrews govt investment to get rolling on the Suburban Rail Loop

Friends of the Earth Melbourne welcomes today’s announcement by the Andrews government that it will invest $2.2 billion to begin Stage One of the Suburban Rail Loop.

The investment demonstrates that the Andrews government is serious about public transport that connects people, reduces congestion, and helps the state rein in emissions and tackle climate change.

“Community members are excited to see big plans for ramping up investment in transport,” said Claudia Gallois, Friends of the Earth's Sustainable Cities coordinator said today.

Environment group Friends of the Earth welcome the Andrews government’s announcement that Victoria will build Australia’s biggest battery, saying it’s a sign the state government can deliver a clean recovery to COVID-19 while acting on the climate crisis.

The 300 megawatt grid-scale battery project to be built near Geelong will create 85 jobs, accelerate the rollout of renewable energy, and help the Victorian government meet legislated commitments to cut emissions.

Critically, the big battery will help shore up Victoria’s electricity grid, which is facing challenges due to intensifying climate impacts such as summer heatwaves as the state’s ageing and polluting coal generators become increasingly unreliable.

Walk to Build #MM2: The Melbourne Metro 2 Rail line will be imperative to build back a more resilient Melbourne.

This October (19-25th), community members will be participating in a decentralised walk to increase pressure for sustainable public transport as a part of Melbourne's clean COVID-19 recovery.

The Covid-19 pandemic has made clear the need for public transport that reduces both crowding and number of connections in order for Melbourne to become a resilient city. 

Melbourne's North and West are the city's fastest growing areas, but they're severely under-serviced by public transport.

Friends of the Earth welcomes $1 million worth of grants to support 13 community-energy projects across Victoria, but say the Andrews government must must scale up funding to match the demand. 

"Communities are way out in front of governments when it comes to tackling the climate crisis," said Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth's climate justice spokesperson.

"The Andrews government's grants for community-energy projects acknowledge this leadership and will create jobs while cutting emissions."

Friends of the Earth say the Andrews government can build on the momentum and create thousands more jobs by establishing a dedicated $100 million Victorian Climate Change Action Fund.

The Latrobe Valley's first utility scale renewable energy project has been given the green light from the Victorian government, with planning approval for the Fraser Solar farm at Toongabbie fast-tracked as part of the Andrews government's economic response to Covid-19.

Friends of the Earth and local community and sustainability groups have welcomed the news, saying that this marks a shift to renewable energy in the region, and will deliver benefits for jobs, regional investment and the climate.

"This is an exciting step forward for the Latrobe Valley, it's good to know we will continue to have a future in energy production by building renewable energy here in our community" said Wendy Farmer President of community group Voices of the Valley. 

Friends of the Earth Melbourne has released a statement in response to the Victorian government's delay to setting interim Emissions Reduction Targets.

It is the second time a decision on the targets has been delayed.

Friends of the Earth's Act on Climate coordinator, Leigh Ewbank, said: 

"Despite our deep disappointment about the delay, we believe it is essential that the Victorian government makes the right decision, not a rushed decision on climate targets."

Today dozens of community members have taken to Facebook and Twitter calling on Transport Minister Melissa Horne to prioritise accessible public transport for all with the hashtag #LifelongLockdown.   

Many Victorians are rejoicing as the COVID restrictions gently lift and a return to normal life looks imminent, but for people with disabilities lockdown life can be normal life. Much of the state’s transport system remains inaccessible and unreliable, leaving people with disabilities stuck at home and unable to participate fully in life’s opportunities. 

According to the National Disability Standards for Accessible Transport, Victoria’s transport system is required to be 80-90% accessible by 2022, but the Victorian government is far from on track to meet this deadline.