The Conservation Council of WA (CCWA) has welcomed the creation of a new federal net-zero authority which will allocate $400 million to help an ‘orderly and positive transformation’ to a net-zero economy.

The new body will be tasked with providing support to workers in emissions-intensive sectors to access new employment opportunities and learn new skills. It will also help regions and communities across Australia to attract new clean energy industries and help connect investors and companies to ‘net zero transformation opportunities’.

Conservation Council of WA Executive Director, Joe Heffernan, said the announcement was a positive sign that the federal government understood the time-critical importance of an orderly transition towards net-zero.

“Australia’s legislated net-zero and emissions reductions targets mean we need to see strong political leadership and an solutions-driven approach. This announcement is a positive step in ensuring that Australia is at the forefront of the global effort to mainstream clean energy solutions and products which will bring economic growth and social benefit.

“Our transition to net-zero should bring facilitate a diversified economy, create thousands of new low-emissions jobs, and help build more resilient communities.

“WA can become a world-leading renewable energy super-power and the opportunities – particularly for communities that have previously been reliant on fossil fuel industries - are enormous.

“We welcome this announcement; in particular, the federal government’s intent to work with the states, rural bodies and Indigenous groups to help deliver on our net-zero future."

ENDS

MEDIA INFORMATION: The Conservation Council of WA (CCWA) is the state’s foremost non-profit, non-government conservation organisation representing nearly 100 environmental organisations across Western Australia.  

For more information, visit: ccwa.org.au.

CONTACT: For any enquiries relating to this release, please contact Robert Davies

0412 272 570 or by email, [email protected]