Thursday, February 04, 2010

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Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey has welcomed the announcement that a Coalition Government will improve the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through direct action and practical, local measures.
“Our direct action plan will cost the Australian community just a fraction of the Government’s $119bn tax, and as a result will not threaten the viability of regional South Australia’s industries,” he said.

“By contrast the Coalition’s plan will reward improvements in emissions and deliver a penalty if industries become dirtier. The scheme will improve soil carbon to help soil quality, farm productivity and water efficiency, it will enable all businesses and families to participate in the sale of credits, to make lifestyle decisions in the house and workplace and be rewarded for those changes”.

“Farmers will be able to make agreements for abatement sales, businesses will be able to invest in energy saving equipment and bank the credit, households will be able to get assistance to lower emissions”.

“Our plan is careful, costed and capped – reducing emissions and improving the environment without a great big new tax on everything.
“The Government’s ETS is projected to cost Australian households $1100 per year, in contrast the Coalition’s climate change policy does not include any new or increased taxes.
“Between 2011-12 and 2014-15, the Coalition’s policy will cost $3.2 billion. In the comparable period, the Government’s ETS will cost more than $40 billion.
“We just do not need a $10bn tax per year to achieve a 5% cut in emissions”.

Mr Ramsey said the Coalition will establish a $2.5 billion Emissions Reduction Fund to provide direct incentives to industry and farmers to reduce CO2 emissions.
“Businesses that reduce emissions below their baseline or ‘business as usual’ activity will be able to sell their CO2 abatement to the government. This will provide a direct financial incentive to take action to reduce emissions below baseline levels.
“Local families and businesses will be encouraged to take up renewable energy with the goal of achieving one million additional solar energy roofs on homes by 2020.
“The Coalition will support a range of measures to encourage the increased uptake and use of renewable energy in homes and communities. This includes a $1,000 rebate for either solar hot water systems or solar panels, capped at 100,000 rebates per year. This will be in addition to the existing rebates.

“We will also support the planting of an additional 20 million trees by 2020.

“These are some practical measures that will improve our environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions - all without a great a great big new tax that will increase the price of everything.”

Media Contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith (08) 8633 1744
February 3, 2010