A majority liberal government will:
- Build on Tasmania’s record of climate leadership by taking further climate action. Tasmania was the first state in Australia to reach net zero emissions and we have achieved our target of net zero emissions by 2050 five years in a row.
- Support the electrification of transport by:
- Delivering a two-year Stamp Duty waiver for the purchase of new and second-hand Electric Vehicles
- Delivering a further $600,000 in grants to grow our state-wide electric vehicle charging network in our regions and at key tourism destinations.
- Supporting the tourism industry’s goal to become a carbon neutral destination by waiving registration for electric vehicles purchased by car rental companies and coach operators for two years*.
- Grow the carbon market in Tasmania by providing $250,000 for a new Carbon Farming Advice Pilot Program.
- Finalise the consultation on the new climate change act and target and introduce to Parliament this year
- Finalise and release the new Climate Action Plan this year.
- Develop a sustainability strategy for Tasmania, with ambitious goals, targets and actions.
- Investigate setting a target for Government operations to become carbon neutral within 60 days of taking office.
- A re-elected Majority Liberal Government has also committed to:
- Supporting households, schools and sports clubs to save on their energy bills and reduce emissions by delivering:
- A further $30 million Tasmanian Energy Efficiency Loans Scheme (TEELS) for households*.
- A $10 million Solar Power Sports Club no-interest loan scheme for solar systems, to help sporting clubs save money on their energy bills.*
- A $5 million Renewable Energy Schools Fund to reduce energy bills in schools*.
- Boosting the No Interest Loan Scheme’s Energy Saver Loan and Subsidy Scheme with funding of $2 million*
- Invest $4.5 million to improve and increase Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) reprocessing capacity across our State, helping to reduce emissions in our waste sector*.
- Providing $1.5 million* to tourism businesses to deliver carbon and sustainability audits to achieve the industries’ vision to become a Carbon Neutral Destination by 2025.
- Implement the Tasmanian Renewable Energy Action Plan and Hydrogen Action Plan to double renewable energy generation in Tasmania and develop a renewable hydrogen industry to meet local demand and for export by 2030. This will reduce emissions and attract millions in investment and thousands of jobs.
- Continue to manage the impacts of a changing climate in Tasmania, including through bushfires, with further investment into community resilience, planning and preparation, our nation-leading fuel reduction program and our emergency services.
The Tasmanian Liberals are strong supporters of climate action, understand its importance to our island environment and community and recognise Tasmania’s competitive advantages as the world transitions to a low-carbon economy.
In fact, the latest data for 2019 confirms that we have achieved our target of net zero emissions by 2050 for the fifth year in a row and we continue to have some of the lowest net emissions in the world.
In 2019, Tasmania’s net emissions were negative 1.68 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents, and were 109 per cent lower than in 1990.
Importantly, the emissions intensity of our economy is trending downwards, even as we continue to grow our economy and jobs.
This globally significant achievement highlights our enviable renewable energy profile, our forest landscapes and our unique opportunity to lead Australia’s transition to a low-emissions economy, attract more investment and create more local jobs.
That’s why a re-elected Majority Liberal Government will continue to take climate action across all sectors of our economy, including in housing, transport, waste, industry, energy and land use.We will continue to invest in community resilience and support our communities to adapt to a changing climate.
Provide a two-year stamp duty waiver for all new and second-hand Electric Vehicles
Tasmania is ideally suited to benefit from the transition to electric vehicles with our clean, low cost and reliable renewable energy, while at the same time reduce our dependence on imported fuels.
However the higher upfront cost has been identified as one of the main barriers for those wishing to make the switch to an Electric Vehicle (EV).
To assist Tasmanians to purchase an EV, a re-elected Majority Government will provide a stamp duty waiver for all new and second-hand EVs purchased in Tasmania for the next two years.
For a new mid-range EV, this will reduce initial purchase costs by around $2,000, providing a significant boost to encourage interested Tasmanians to make the switch to an EV and support this growing market in Tasmania.
Deliver $600,000 in grants towards a State-wide electric vehicle charging network in our regions and key tourism destinations
To get more Tasmanians behind the wheel of an EV and driving in our regions, a re-elected Majority Liberal Government will provide a further $600,000 in grants towards fast-charging and destination stations in regional Tasmanian locations and key tourism destinations not currently well serviced with charging infrastructure.
Possible locations for EV charging infrastructure could include Bicheno, Cygnet, Dunalley, Dover, Miena (Central Plateau), Ouse, Oatlands, Port Arthur, Smithton, Southport, Strahan, Tullah, and Triabunna.
This investment builds on our previous ChargeSmart Grants Program which has supported 12 fast chargers and over 20 destination and workplace chargers, and it also complements Australian Government funding of around $400,000 ear-marked for the Greater Hobart area as part of the Future Fuels Strategy.
Previous ChargeSmart Fast Charging locations included: New Norfolk, St Helens, Swansea, Elizabeth Town, Burnie, Campbell Town, Scottsdale, Queenstown and Derwent Bridge.
Supporting the tourism industry’s goal to become a carbon neutral destination by waiving registration for electric vehicles purchased by car rental companies and coach operators for two years*
There is a very real opportunity for Tasmania to become a genuine carbon neutral tourism destination which would place the Tasmanian tourism industry in a unique global position.
In line with this Government’s broader climate goals, tourism can lead the way through a tangible initiative to facilitate the gradual transition of the State’s rental car and coach fleets towards electric vehicles.
To support car rental and coach operators to adopt electric vehicle technology, a re-elected Majority Liberal Government will:
-Waive vehicle registration for electric vehicles purchased for the next two years.
As these fleets are replenished regularly with vehicles making their way into the used car market there will be the downstream effect of more EVs entering the general vehicle market.
The expected cost is $1 million over two years for this transformative initiative.*
Provide $250,000 for a Carbon Farming Advice Pilot Program
As the world seeks to decarbonise to reduce climate change, carbon markets present significant economic opportunities. Nationally and around the globe, as governments and companies seek to become carbon neutral, demand for carbon credits (or offsets) is growing.
To encourage farmers and other businesses to participate in the growing carbon market in Tasmania, a re-elected Majority Liberal Government will deliver a $250,000 Carbon Farming Advice Pilot Program.
The Pilot Program will provide a rebate of up to $10,000 for farmers and businesses to seek carbon farming advice from experts to create carbon credits for sale in national or international markets.
Carbon credits can also provide farmers and other industries with alternative income streams, improved productivity and efficiency, reduce emissions, and contribute to the Tasmanian brand.
Present a new climate change act and target to Parliament, and finalise a new Climate Action Plan this year
Tasmania’s Climate Change Act and target is currently under independent review and at the same time, a new five-year Climate Change Action Plan is being developed. Public consultation for each is open until the end of April.
The new Action Plan will build on our current action plan, Climate Action 21, which finishes this year, will consider further actions to reduce emissions and help our communities and economy to prepare and adapt to a changing climate.
Given that Tasmania has already achieved net zero emissions five years in a row, there is an opportunity to set a more ambitious target, and Treasury and the Tasmanian Climate Change Office are currently overseeing expert economic modelling to determine its impacts on our economy and jobs. The new target will be considered as part of the independent review of the Act and will include public consultation.
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will commit to presenting to Parliament a new, Climate Change Act, a new target, and a new Climate Action Plan this year, with funding to be considered in the 2021-22 Budget.
Develop a sustainability strategy for Tasmania, with ambitious goals, targets and actions
The Tasmanian Liberals are committed to sustainable development and ensuring that our unique island remains productive for future generations to enjoy and benefit from.
A key theme of the Premier’s Economic and Social Recovery Advisory Council consultation, survey and Final Report was that the environment is essential for Tasmanians health, well-being and economic prosperity, and it forms part of our brand and competitive advantages.
In line with the recommendations of the Final Report, a re-elected Majority Liberal Government will develop a sustainability strategy for Tasmania that sets ambitious goals, targets and actions.
The Strategy will capitalise on our sustainability credentials, our brand, support broader well-being and economic growth and secure Tasmania’s future.
Seek advice on setting a target for Government operations to become carbon neutral within 60 days of taking office
Tasmania’s strong record on climate action is one of our competitive strengths and an increasingly important part of our brand.
Many organisations and governments world-wide are adopting carbon neutral targets, to drive innovation and productivity, reduce emissions and costs and demonstrate corporate responsibility.
While Tasmania as a whole has achieved net zero emissions five years in a row, the operations of Government have not, with emissions for example, in travel, transport and heating. To continue our leadership in climate action and secure our future, a re-elected Majority Liberal Government will, within 60 days, take advice from the Tasmanian Climate Change Office on setting a target for Government operations to become carbon neutral. This advice will need to include the necessary actions and likely costs to achieve the target.
Importantly, any target will build on our record of climate action so far, including our target to transition the Government vehicle fleet to 100% Electric Vehicles by 2030 and the fact that Tasmania achieved 100% self-sufficiency in renewable electricity last year.
Re-launching a $30M over 2 years Tasmanian Energy Efficiency Loans Scheme (TEELS) program*
TEELS was a highly successful initiative providing over 4,300 residential and small business customers with access to around $35 million in interest-free loans to purchase energy efficient products such as heat pumps, window glazing and solar to help improve and reduce energy use.
A re-elected Majority Liberal Government will re-launch a $30 million over two years TEELS program to support residential and small businesses including landlords to install energy efficient appliances and solar systems.
As part of this, $3 million will be allocated to re-establish and administer TEELS, including sourcing banking and delivery mechanisms.
Provide a $10 million Solar Power Sports Club no interest loan scheme*
To help our sporting clubs and associations save money on their energy bills, a re-elected Majority Liberal Government will provide a $10 million loan fund for loans of up to $20,000.
These loans will be available for no interest for a period of five years, for solar panels, hot water systems and/or battery systems.
New solar systems will not only help sporting clubs with their energy costs, but in some instances, generate extra income through exporting solar electricity to the gird.
Our Solar Sports Clubs Loan Scheme will help clubs who may not otherwise be able to afford the high up-front cost of solar energy systems.
This is expected to benefit around 500-600 sporting clubs and associations.
Deliver a $5 million Renewable Energy Schools Program*
A re-elected Liberal Government will deliver a $5 million investment into a new Renewable Energy Schools program that will roll out solar panels in all Government schools.
The initial outlay of $5 million will fund solar panels in over 100 schools over the next four years, with the savings in energy bills used to make the program self-sustaining, with all savings to be re-invested until solar has been rolled out in all Government schools.
This investment will reduce school energy bills, provide more money for learning and increase opportunities to learn about Tasmania’s renewable energy potential.
Invest $4.5 million to improve and increase Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) reprocessing capacity and reducing emissions in the waste sector*
There is wide recognition that FOGO is an important component of waste management and that appropriate management results in significantly less material ending up at landfill and reduced emissions.
The Tasmanian Government has set a target to reduce the volume of organic waste sent to landfill by 50% by 2030, consistent with the national target and are committed to supporting and working with councils across our State to roll out new FOGO kerbside collection services.
To help us reach this target, a re-elected Majority Liberal Government will allocate $4.5 million of our circular economy fund to invest in improving organics collection and reprocessing infrastructure across Tasmania.
We will support Dulverton Waste Management develop a state-of-the-art composting facility in Northern Tasmania.We will also support feasibility and design work for a FOGO solution in the South.
This investment will also support education programs to show households and businesses how they can reduce the amount of waste food and organic material sent to landfill.
Work is currently underway to develop a State-wide Organics (FOGO) Strategy. The Strategy will provide information on the volume and types of organic waste streams in Tasmania and identify options for future treatment and use of FOGO.
We are committed to investing in managing FOGO, and providing support and jobs in regional areas. Through a sustainable environment, we can build our economy and create more jobs for Tasmanians.
Current work underway right now:
- Consulting on our new Climate Action Plan, legislation and our emissions reduction target, to guide our climate action over the next five years.
- Announced a target to transition the Government vehicle fleet to 100% Electric Vehicles (EVs) by 2030 underpinned by a 100%EV and Zero Emissions Strategy. We have allocated $2.3 million to progress this transition.
- Tasked Metro Tasmania to deliver a Zero Emissions bus trial in both the North and the South within two years.
- Establishing a $10 million emissions reduction loan scheme for businesses.
- $300,000 to conduct the independent review the Climate Change (State Action) Act 2008.
- Reviewing our emissions reduction target, and the impact on industry and jobs of a more ambitious target.
- Provided $15 million for public housing energy efficiency measures to reduce emissions and energy bills and reducing the cost of living for tenants.
- TasNetworks participating in a household EV charging trial.
- Delivering our Tasmanian Renewable Energy Action and Hydrogen Action Plans.
Our record in Government:
- Have achieved net zero emissions for the last five years in a row.
- Tasmania was the first State to achieve Net Zero Emissions and continues to have some of the lowest emissions on the planet.
- Supported the roll-out of a state-wide fast-charging network for electric vehicles in Tasmania, including 12 fast chargers, and over 20 workplace and destination chargers, and stimulating $2.5 million in EV charging station infrastructure.
- Delivered Smarter Fleets Program to support fleet managers around Tasmania to prepare for electric vehicles.
- The Tasmanian Government’s Electric Vehicle Working Group has been recognised nationally for its approach to the roll-out of EVs in Tasmania.
- Delivering 34 actions under Climate Action 21 – our current Climate Action Plan that concludes in June this year.
- Invested in $1.1 million in recent years in research to support our understanding of the future challenges and opportunities of a changing climate.
- Achieved 100% self-sufficiency in renewable energy in 2020, one of just a handful of places world-wide to have reached this milestone.
- Released our Tasmanian Renewable Energy Action Plan and legislated a target to generate 200 per cent of renewable energy by 2040.
- Progressing Project Marinus and Battery of the Nation to Final Investment Decision.
Costings:
The total cost of this policy is $1.85 million over two years.
* Policies are costed elsewhere.