The ACT Government is continuing to deliver responsible and responsive climate action that invests in clean energy and supports Canberrans with cost of living pressures.
The Government will extend rebates available under the Home Energy Support Program to support homeowners to cover the costs of rooftop solar and other energy-efficient upgrades including hot water systems, ceiling insulation, and reverse-cycle heating and cooling. The Renters' Home Energy Advice Program will also continue to provide free, tailored advice for renters from an expert energy assessor.
Since it launched in 2022, the Home Energy Support Program has saved households more than $15 million and rebates of $4.5 million have been provided to over 1,800 households, providing tangible cost of living relief for Canberrans.
The Government will also lift the loan caps of the Sustainable Household Scheme to $20,000 for new participants to the Scheme, giving households greater capacity to invest in energy efficient upgrades and products or to purchase a new or used EV. From September 2026, Canberrans will also be able to use the Scheme to purchase electric cargo bikes, supporting more Canberra households with the choice to adopt this practical, zero-emissions transport alternative for everyday use.
Supporting our natural environment, promoting biodiversity and water efficiency continues to be a significant priority for the Government.
The Government will provide additional funding to local community environment groups to support climate resilience and biodiversity initiatives. This includes additional funding for our community partners to deliver projects that support climate change mitigation and adaptation and funding for ACT Wildlife, National Parks Association and Landcare ACT to support community-led initiatives to protect, conserve, and enhance the ACT's environment, wildlife, and conservation.
To further support the delivery of environmental, conservation, land management and volunteer services to the Territory, the Government is also expanding the ACT Environment Grants program to enable more community groups to deliver environmental restoration and education outcomes across the ACT, including introducing a new weed control category.
Further progress is made in this Budget on water-savings upgrades including efficient showers, and tapware to improve water management in schools, homes, businesses and public facilities.
The Government is also increasing investment to strengthen the Territory's preparedness and response capabilities to growing biosecurity threats. This includes funding for a response team, incident management systems and vehicles to improve the ACT's ability to respond to biosecurity risks at both the local and national level.
To continue our work towards net zero by 2045 and climate change adaptation, the Government is investing over $10 million to support the finalisation and delivery of a new Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan to be released in the coming months. This investment provides dedicated resourcing for the Strategy and Action Plan and supports the delivery of specific actions across a range of priority areas including community resilience, transport mode shift and climate-conscious urban planning.
These investments form part of a $29.8 million package of investment in this year's Budget.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer, Chris Steel:
"Addressing climate action and supporting our local environment is a continued priority for the ACT Government.
"We are focused on ensuring that Canberrans are supported through the energy transition by strengthening and continuing critical support programs so all Canberrans can access and benefit from important energy efficiency upgrades to reduce energy costs and emissions."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water, Suzanne Orr:
"Today's announcement continues our strong investment in Canberra's environment.
"Environment and climate action is important to Canberrans, and it is important that we work in partnership at all levels to drive meaningful and lasting change, and that government provides the support and tools for this partnership to be successful.
"This investment ensures we can deliver the next ACT Climate Strategy and first Action Plan, which will renew our focus on reducing emissions and help Canberrans prepare for an already changing climate as we progress towards net zero emissions by 2045."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance, Rachel Stephen-Smith:
"The Sustainable Household Scheme has been embraced by Canberrans and the changes through this Budget will ensure eligible households have more capacity to invest in accessible and affordable energy-efficient upgrades and products.
"We also know fuel prices are encouraging more people to look at EVs, but many are still challenged by the upfront cost of switching. Increasing the amount they can borrow through low-interest loans will help deal with that challenge so more Canberrans can benefit from cheaper running costs, while contributing to a cleaner environment.
"Together, these measures will help households lower their energy bills, reduce emissions, and access affordable, sustainable transport, delivering real cost of living relief while supporting Canberra's transition to a cleaner, more resilient future."
