The Victorian Government has unveiled its Climate Change Strategy and interim targets, to keep Victoria on track to meet the target of net zero emissions by 2050, while also seizing the opportunities of climate action – advancing technology, investing in new industries and creating Victorian jobs.
At the heart of the plan are ambitious targets to reduce emissions by 28-33 per cent by 2025 and 45-50 per cent by 2030 – putting Victoria at the forefront of Australia's climate change action.
The strategy is also underpinned by investing more than $100 million to transform the Victorian transport sector, offering up to $3,000 for Victorians who buy zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) and a target that 50 per cent of all new car sales in Victoria will be ZEVs by 2030.
The government is also investing almost $20 million to reduce emissions in the agriculture sector and will work with farmers to make their farms more sustainable; this investment includes $3.9 million to fund research and trials of new feed to reduce emissions from livestock.
A further $15.3 million for the Victorian Carbon Farming Program will help farmers store more carbon in shelterbelt trees and engage in agroforestry.
Government operations, from schools and hospitals to police stations and metro trains, will also be powered with 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2025 – an Australian first.
