The Australian Capital Territory announced a $63 million investment over four years as part of the 21-22 ACT Budget to reduce emissions through a range of targeted initiatives.
The allocated funding aligns with the state’s target of net zero emissions by 2045, and also aims to support healthy habitats in bushland, suburbs and waterways. The package includes:
- $15.3 million to reduce carbon emissions from the ACT Government Callam Offices in Woden
- $12.8 million over four years for the Emergency Service Agency’s Vehicle Replacement Program, which will include the addition of nine zero-emissions vehicles to the emergency services fleet
- Allocating the first $5 million of the $50 million Vulnerable Household Energy Support Scheme, helping low-income homeowners and public housing tenants cut their energy bills with subsidies to switch from fossil fuel gas to efficient electric appliances
- $5 million over four years for the Community Clubs Building Energy Efficiency Fund, supporting clubs to reduce their costs and their reliance on pokies by making energy efficiency improvements with rebates of up to $75,000
Funding will also be provided to expand the Healthy Waterways program, as well as for environmental offset planning, implementation, monitoring, and research as part of the government’s land release program, the continuation of the Solar for Low Income Scheme, and funding to continue the Community Zero Emissions Grant Program, which supports community-led projects that help reach emissions targets and increase community resilience to the impacts of climate change.
A range of other initiatives to tackle climate change will also be funded.
In addition, the Sustainable Household Scheme is now open to all eligible households and individuals in the Australian Capital Territory following the successful pilot program.
The Scheme offers zero-interest loans of up to $15,000 for eligible households to invest in energy efficient upgrades to their homes.
During the successful pilot program, 260 households have started the quote and loan process with more than $2 million of loans already approved and 51 products already installed in homes.
As the program expands, it will create and protect more local jobs as the Australian Capital Territory Government grows the workforce to 250,000 jobs by 2025.
All eligible households can now register through the Everyday Climate Choices website at www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/.
