From today, Victorians with a terminal illness will be able to make an initial request to access voluntary assisted dying, giving them the genuine and compassionate choice over the manner of their death that they deserve.
Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos today joined chair of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board, former Supreme Court Judge Betty King QC.
The Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board will review each and every case of voluntary assisted dying, ensuring the high safety standards were met. It will receive reports from health practitioners, monitor the dispensing of medications, report to the Parliament and refer any potential issues to relevant authorities.
The historic legislation was passed by the Victorian Parliament in 2017.
The voluntary assisted dying model is the most conservative in the world. The safeguards include:
Only adults with decision-making capacity, who are suffering and have an incurable, advanced and progressive disease, illness or medical condition that is likely to cause death within six months (or 12 months for people with neurodegenerative conditions) can access the scheme
A person may only access voluntary assisted dying if they meet all of the strict eligibility criteria, make three clear requests and have two independent medical assessments that determine they are eligible
The request must always be initiated by the person themselves, with health practitioners who are treating the person and raise the issue subject to unprofessional conduct investigations.
More than 120 doctors including GPs, cancer specialists and palliative care clinicians from right around the state are already undertaking mandatory, specialist training to ensure they’re equipped to assess a patient’s eligibility to access voluntary assisted dying. About a third of all participating doctors practise in regional Victoria.
A Melbourne-based pharmacy service will become the sole service for dispensing voluntary assisted dying medications across Victoria, ensuring patients are provided clear information regarding administration, and that unused medications are returned and destroyed.
For people too sick to travel, the pharmacy service will deliver them their medication and provide information on administration – and then collect any unused medication.
While we implement Voluntary Assisted Dying, we are also boosting palliative care, with this year’s Budget providing $72 million to improve end of life choices, including support for home-based palliative care in rural and regional Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos
“Today, Victoria becomes the first state to legalise voluntary assisted dying. This is about giving people who are suffering intolerably from an incurable disease a voluntary, compassionate choice over the manner of their death.”
“This is the most conservative model of its kind in the world, with 68 individual safeguards in place.”
“My thoughts today are with those who have campaigned for this for many years. Your bravery will change lives.”
From today, Victorians with a terminal illness will be able to make an initial request to access voluntary assisted dying, giving them the genuine and compassionate choice over the manner of their death that they deserve.
Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos today joined chair of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board, former Supreme Court Judge Betty King QC.
The Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board will review each and every case of voluntary assisted dying, ensuring the high safety standards were met. It will receive reports from health practitioners, monitor the dispensing of medications, report to the Parliament and refer any potential issues to relevant authorities.
The historic legislation was passed by the Victorian Parliament in 2017.
The voluntary assisted dying model is the most conservative in the world. The safeguards include:
Only adults with decision-making capacity, who are suffering and have an incurable, advanced and progressive disease, illness or medical condition that is likely to cause death within six months (or 12 months for people with neurodegenerative conditions) can access the scheme
A person may only access voluntary assisted dying if they meet all of the strict eligibility criteria, make three clear requests and have two independent medical assessments that determine they are eligible
The request must always be initiated by the person themselves, with health practitioners who are treating the person and raise the issue subject to unprofessional conduct investigations.
More than 120 doctors including GPs, cancer specialists and palliative care clinicians from right around the state are already undertaking mandatory, specialist training to ensure they’re equipped to assess a patient’s eligibility to access voluntary assisted dying. About a third of all participating doctors practise in regional Victoria.
A Melbourne-based pharmacy service will become the sole service for dispensing voluntary assisted dying medications across Victoria, ensuring patients are provided clear information regarding administration, and that unused medications are returned and destroyed.
For people too sick to travel, the pharmacy service will deliver them their medication and provide information on administration – and then collect any unused medication.
While we implement Voluntary Assisted Dying, we are also boosting palliative care, with this year’s Budget providing $72 million to improve end of life choices, including support for home-based palliative care in rural and regional Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos
“Today, Victoria becomes the first state to legalise voluntary assisted dying. This is about giving people who are suffering intolerably from an incurable disease a voluntary, compassionate choice over the manner of their death.”
“This is the most conservative model of its kind in the world, with 68 individual safeguards in place.”
“My thoughts today are with those who have campaigned for this for many years. Your bravery will change lives.”
Lightweight, single-use plastic shopping bags will be banned across Victoria from 1 November this year, under new legislation introduced to parliament today by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio said the ban was a crucial step in protecting Victoria’s rivers, waterways, oceans and wildlife from plastic pollution.
The legislation will ensure all single-use lightweight plastic shopping bags with a thickness of 35 microns or less will be banned, including bags made from degradable, biodegradable and compostable plastic.
The ban will apply to bags being provided at retail outlets including supermarkets, fashion boutiques, fast food outlets, convenience stores and service stations.
These legislative changes follow an overwhelming number of responses during community consultation, supporting a ban on lightweight plastic shopping bags.
Work is underway with the National Retailers Association to ensure Victorian businesses are prepared for the ban and have access to sustainable packaging alternatives.
A plastic pollution action plan is also under development to help reduce other types of plastic pollution, in collaboration with industry, retailers and community environment groups.
The plastic bag ban is part of a suite of Government measures designed to reduce the impact of plastic pollution, reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and strengthen Victoria’s recycling industry.
From 1 July 2019 e-waste will be banned from landfill, meaning anything with a plug, cord or battery must be deposited at designated e-waste drop-off points rather than going in kerbside bins.
This is in addition to the Labor Government’s record investment of $135 million in the waste and resource recovery industry to create a more stable and productive sector.
For more information on the banning of lightweight, single-use, plastic shopping bags visit https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/sustainability/plastic-pollution
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Plastic pollution is a significant environmental problem – the actions we take now will help ensure Victoria has a clean and bright future.”
“The feedback on this one was clear. Victorians want to do more to protect the environment from the damage litter causes and are overwhelmingly supportive of banning single-use plastic shopping bags.”
“We’ve been working closely with businesses to plan for the ban ahead of November and we’ll continue to look at ways we can reduce other types of plastic pollution across Victoria.”
Lightweight, single-use plastic shopping bags will be banned across Victoria from 1 November this year, under new legislation introduced to parliament today by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio said the ban was a crucial step in protecting Victoria’s rivers, waterways, oceans and wildlife from plastic pollution.
The legislation will ensure all single-use lightweight plastic shopping bags with a thickness of 35 microns or less will be banned, including bags made from degradable, biodegradable and compostable plastic.
The ban will apply to bags being provided at retail outlets including supermarkets, fashion boutiques, fast food outlets, convenience stores and service stations.
These legislative changes follow an overwhelming number of responses during community consultation, supporting a ban on lightweight plastic shopping bags.
Work is underway with the National Retailers Association to ensure Victorian businesses are prepared for the ban and have access to sustainable packaging alternatives.
A plastic pollution action plan is also under development to help reduce other types of plastic pollution, in collaboration with industry, retailers and community environment groups.
The plastic bag ban is part of a suite of Government measures designed to reduce the impact of plastic pollution, reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and strengthen Victoria’s recycling industry.
From 1 July 2019 e-waste will be banned from landfill, meaning anything with a plug, cord or battery must be deposited at designated e-waste drop-off points rather than going in kerbside bins.
This is in addition to the Labor Government’s record investment of $135 million in the waste and resource recovery industry to create a more stable and productive sector.
For more information on the banning of lightweight, single-use, plastic shopping bags visit https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/sustainability/plastic-pollution
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Plastic pollution is a significant environmental problem – the actions we take now will help ensure Victoria has a clean and bright future.”
“The feedback on this one was clear. Victorians want to do more to protect the environment from the damage litter causes and are overwhelmingly supportive of banning single-use plastic shopping bags.”
“We’ve been working closely with businesses to plan for the ban ahead of November and we’ll continue to look at ways we can reduce other types of plastic pollution across Victoria.”
The Andrews Labor Government is putting power back in the hands of hard-working Victorians with its landmark Solar Homes program set to be fully rolled out, helping drive down energy costs and creating thousands of jobs.
Premier Daniel Andrews today joined Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio and Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous in Northcote to announce that the next phase of rebates for solar panels, batteries and hot water systems would kick off from 1 July 2019.
The Labor Government’s $1.3 billion Solar Homes program will see 770,000 Victorian households take advantage of solar power over the next decade, with 5,500 new jobs created as we drive down energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.
Building on the 32,000 domestic solar rebates already delivered since August, the program in 2019/20 will:
support the installation of 40,000 rooftop solar systems on private homes and community-owned housing
deliver 2,000 solar panel systems on rental properties
fund 6,000 households to get solar hot water systems installed and;
deliver solar battery rebates for 1,000 households which already have rooftop solar in targeted areas
The program has been designed to give consumers and industry certainty about how many rebates will be available this year – releasing a set number each month to ensure the 10-year program is delivered effectively.
We’ll also support families who already have solar, with storage batteries offered for the first time in targeted growth areas with high solar installations rates, helping to feed solar power back into the network.
And we’ve simplified the rebate application process to make it even easier for households to apply, with the rebate now applied by the retailer at the point of sale, instead of putting the onus on the customer.
To ensure the highest safety standards, solar panel systems can only be installed by accredited solar installers using approved products. As part of this, and to help train the workforce of the future, we’re investing $9 million to boost the skills of solar installers and train new apprentices.
WorkSafe and Energy Safe Victoria will also undertake increased auditing – both during installation and post-installation – to ensure the program is as safe as possible. For more information about the Solar Homes program and how to apply visit solar.vic.gov.au.
Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“We’re putting power back into the hands of Victorians – putting a power station on your roof to drive down energy costs and boost supply, while creating 5,500 jobs.”
Quote attributable to the Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio
“The Liberals privatised our energy assets, which has led to power prices going up and up and up – this is about reversing that trend, reducing carbon emissions and helping the cost of living for hard-working Victorian families.”
Quote attributable to the Minister for Training Gayle Tierney
“We’re making sure free training is available to installers and apprentices, so our workforce has the skills they need to rollout this program as safely as possible.”
The Andrews Labor Government is putting power back in the hands of hard-working Victorians with its landmark Solar Homes program set to be fully rolled out, helping drive down energy costs and creating thousands of jobs.
Premier Daniel Andrews today joined Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio and Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous in Northcote to announce that the next phase of rebates for solar panels, batteries and hot water systems would kick off from 1 July 2019.
The Labor Government’s $1.3 billion Solar Homes program will see 770,000 Victorian households take advantage of solar power over the next decade, with 5,500 new jobs created as we drive down energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.
Building on the 32,000 domestic solar rebates already delivered since August, the program in 2019/20 will:
support the installation of 40,000 rooftop solar systems on private homes and community-owned housing
deliver 2,000 solar panel systems on rental properties
fund 6,000 households to get solar hot water systems installed and;
deliver solar battery rebates for 1,000 households which already have rooftop solar in targeted areas
The program has been designed to give consumers and industry certainty about how many rebates will be available this year – releasing a set number each month to ensure the 10-year program is delivered effectively.
We’ll also support families who already have solar, with storage batteries offered for the first time in targeted growth areas with high solar installations rates, helping to feed solar power back into the network.
And we’ve simplified the rebate application process to make it even easier for households to apply, with the rebate now applied by the retailer at the point of sale, instead of putting the onus on the customer.
To ensure the highest safety standards, solar panel systems can only be installed by accredited solar installers using approved products. As part of this, and to help train the workforce of the future, we’re investing $9 million to boost the skills of solar installers and train new apprentices.
WorkSafe and Energy Safe Victoria will also undertake increased auditing – both during installation and post-installation – to ensure the program is as safe as possible. For more information about the Solar Homes program and how to apply visit solar.vic.gov.au.
Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“We’re putting power back into the hands of Victorians – putting a power station on your roof to drive down energy costs and boost supply, while creating 5,500 jobs.”
Quote attributable to the Minister for Solar Homes Lily D’Ambrosio
“The Liberals privatised our energy assets, which has led to power prices going up and up and up – this is about reversing that trend, reducing carbon emissions and helping the cost of living for hard-working Victorian families.”
Quote attributable to the Minister for Training Gayle Tierney
“We’re making sure free training is available to installers and apprentices, so our workforce has the skills they need to rollout this program as safely as possible.”
Australia’s largest integrated battery and solar farm is hard at work in North Western Victoria – storing clean energy from the Gannawarra Solar Farm and providing much needed power to the state’s energy grid.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio visited the Gannawarra Energy Storage System outside Kerang today for the official opening and to see the big battery in operation.
The Andrews Labor Government invested $25 million into two big batteries in North Western Victoria, including the Gannawarra Energy Storage System – a 25-megawatt/50-megawatt hour system using Tesla batteries which are integrated with the Gannawarra solar farm.
This is Tesla’s second biggest battery in Australia and among the largest of its kind in the world – big enough to power 16,000 households for 2 hours during peak demand.
The 7500 m2 battery is charged by the solar farm and stores 100 per cent renewable energy – to be injected into the electricity grid at key times.
Along with being able to store and quickly release energy the big batteries will also help integrate new renewable energy into the Victorian grid.
The Labor Government’s investment in large-scale battery storage projects in western Victoria is helping to address known stress points in the electricity network.
Two projects were chosen to receive funding as part of this initiative – the Gannawarra Energy Storage System and the Ballarat Energy Storage System.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency also provided $25 million to co-fund these projects, with close to $20 million invested from private equity.
Both batteries have been operating since summer 2018/19, with the Gannawarra battery providing invaluable power during the extreme heat events of late January, by exporting 80 megawatt hours of stored energy to the grid.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Big batteries help to stabilise our power grid and provide much-needed backup power – which is vital to maintaining a reliable and affordable energy supply for Victoria.”
“We’re proud to make Victoria the leader in renewable energy – that’s why we’re increasing our Victorian Renewable Energy Target to 50 per cent by 2030.”
“By investing in renewable energy and storage technology, we are continuing to modernise our electricity grid, strengthen our energy security and deliver real action on climate change.”
Australia’s largest integrated battery and solar farm is hard at work in North Western Victoria – storing clean energy from the Gannawarra Solar Farm and providing much needed power to the state’s energy grid.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio visited the Gannawarra Energy Storage System outside Kerang today for the official opening and to see the big battery in operation.
The Andrews Labor Government invested $25 million into two big batteries in North Western Victoria, including the Gannawarra Energy Storage System – a 25-megawatt/50-megawatt hour system using Tesla batteries which are integrated with the Gannawarra solar farm.
This is Tesla’s second biggest battery in Australia and among the largest of its kind in the world – big enough to power 16,000 households for 2 hours during peak demand.
The 7500 m2 battery is charged by the solar farm and stores 100 per cent renewable energy – to be injected into the electricity grid at key times.
Along with being able to store and quickly release energy the big batteries will also help integrate new renewable energy into the Victorian grid.
The Labor Government’s investment in large-scale battery storage projects in western Victoria is helping to address known stress points in the electricity network.
Two projects were chosen to receive funding as part of this initiative – the Gannawarra Energy Storage System and the Ballarat Energy Storage System.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency also provided $25 million to co-fund these projects, with close to $20 million invested from private equity.
Both batteries have been operating since summer 2018/19, with the Gannawarra battery providing invaluable power during the extreme heat events of late January, by exporting 80 megawatt hours of stored energy to the grid.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Big batteries help to stabilise our power grid and provide much-needed backup power – which is vital to maintaining a reliable and affordable energy supply for Victoria.”
“We’re proud to make Victoria the leader in renewable energy – that’s why we’re increasing our Victorian Renewable Energy Target to 50 per cent by 2030.”
“By investing in renewable energy and storage technology, we are continuing to modernise our electricity grid, strengthen our energy security and deliver real action on climate change.”
Victorian schools have been recognised for their efforts to boost sustainability and care for the environment at this year’s ResourceSmart Schools Awards.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced the winners of the Resource SmartSchools Awards at a ceremony at the MCG today and congratulated all the schools involved for ‘contributing to a better place’ – the theme for this year’s awards.
Carrum Primary School has been named the 2019 ResourceSmart School of the Year for inspiring other schools to act on climate change with a curriculum that makes sustainability fun for not only the school but also the local community.
Carrum Primary School was applauded for their biodiversity promotion, recycling programs and solar energy initiatives.
Schools across Victoria were recognised for their efforts to inspire sustainability action in their communities, reduce the environmental impact of their campuses and protect the environment.
Other winners include: Beaconhills College, Truganina South Primary School, Mount Lilydale Mercy College, Truganina South Primary School, Nossal High School, Warrnambool East Primary School, Footscray City College, St Aloysius Primary School Queenscliff and Kyneton Secondary College.
The ResourceSmart Schools Awards is Victoria’s largest sustainability awards program recognising schools leading the way in minimising waste, saving energy and water, increasing biodiversity and tackling climate change.
The ResourceSmart Schools Program teaches students about the importance of sustainability and has engaged more than 1,400 schools across the state to collectively save over $25 million through energy, water and waste efficiencies and reducing more than 60,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases.
The Government is investing $2.8 million in the program in the Victorian Budget 2019/20, helping schools incorporate sustainability into the curriculum and provide practical learnings for students.
For a full list of finalists and winners visit sustainability.vic.gov.au/schoolsawards.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“The winners and finalists in this year’s ResourceSmart School Awards are a great mix of schools that are doing their bit to create a better place for future generations.”
“The awards highlight the incredible work Victorian schools are doing to make a positive impact on the environment.”
“Congratulations to the finalists and winners – you are leading the way when it comes to protecting the environment and acting on climate change.”
Victorian schools have been recognised for their efforts to boost sustainability and care for the environment at this year’s ResourceSmart Schools Awards.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced the winners of the Resource SmartSchools Awards at a ceremony at the MCG today and congratulated all the schools involved for ‘contributing to a better place’ – the theme for this year’s awards.
Carrum Primary School has been named the 2019 ResourceSmart School of the Year for inspiring other schools to act on climate change with a curriculum that makes sustainability fun for not only the school but also the local community.
Carrum Primary School was applauded for their biodiversity promotion, recycling programs and solar energy initiatives.
Schools across Victoria were recognised for their efforts to inspire sustainability action in their communities, reduce the environmental impact of their campuses and protect the environment.
Other winners include: Beaconhills College, Truganina South Primary School, Mount Lilydale Mercy College, Truganina South Primary School, Nossal High School, Warrnambool East Primary School, Footscray City College, St Aloysius Primary School Queenscliff and Kyneton Secondary College.
The ResourceSmart Schools Awards is Victoria’s largest sustainability awards program recognising schools leading the way in minimising waste, saving energy and water, increasing biodiversity and tackling climate change.
The ResourceSmart Schools Program teaches students about the importance of sustainability and has engaged more than 1,400 schools across the state to collectively save over $25 million through energy, water and waste efficiencies and reducing more than 60,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases.
The Government is investing $2.8 million in the program in the Victorian Budget 2019/20, helping schools incorporate sustainability into the curriculum and provide practical learnings for students.
For a full list of finalists and winners visit sustainability.vic.gov.au/schoolsawards.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“The winners and finalists in this year’s ResourceSmart School Awards are a great mix of schools that are doing their bit to create a better place for future generations.”
“The awards highlight the incredible work Victorian schools are doing to make a positive impact on the environment.”
“Congratulations to the finalists and winners – you are leading the way when it comes to protecting the environment and acting on climate change.”
Disposing of e-waste will soon be easier than ever, with Officeworks helping to boost the number of collection sites available across Victoria, ahead of the e-waste to landfill ban starting on 1 July 2019.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio today visited Officeworks in Richmond – one of 42 Officeworks e-waste drop-off collection sites to be upgraded thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s $25.3 million Resource Recovery Infrastructure Fund.
From 1 July 2019, any item with a plug, battery or cord can no longer be placed in kerbside bins and instead must be deposited at a designated e-waste drop-off point.
The Officeworks sites will collect mobile phones, ink cartridges and IT waste items, forming part of a network of more than 1,000 locations across the state that will take a range of e-waste items.
The ban will ensure valuable materials left inside e-waste can be safely recovered and reused, while reducing the damage electronic items can have on the environment and human health.
E-waste is the fastest-growing stream of waste worldwide and covers everything from old mobile phones, computers, audio devices, refrigerators and other white goods, hair dryers, TVs, heaters, and air-conditioners.
The Labor Government has also invested $16.5 million to help councils across the state upgrade their e-waste collection and storage facilities, and deliver an education program to support the ban on e-waste in landfills.
To learn more about e-waste in Victoria and find your nearest drop-off point go to ewaste.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re making sure Victorian households know how to dispose of e-waste properly and easily ahead of the e-waste to landfill ban on 1 July.”
“It’s great to see businesses like Officeworks getting on board to ensure all Victorians to have a convenient drop-off point close to home.”
“E-waste contains valuable materials that we can recover and reuse, but if left in the wrong place, they can also harm the environment and human health – this is why it’s so important these items are disposed of properly and don’t end up in the rubbish.”
Disposing of e-waste will soon be easier than ever, with Officeworks helping to boost the number of collection sites available across Victoria, ahead of the e-waste to landfill ban starting on 1 July 2019.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio today visited Officeworks in Richmond – one of 42 Officeworks e-waste drop-off collection sites to be upgraded thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s $25.3 million Resource Recovery Infrastructure Fund.
From 1 July 2019, any item with a plug, battery or cord can no longer be placed in kerbside bins and instead must be deposited at a designated e-waste drop-off point.
The Officeworks sites will collect mobile phones, ink cartridges and IT waste items, forming part of a network of more than 1,000 locations across the state that will take a range of e-waste items.
The ban will ensure valuable materials left inside e-waste can be safely recovered and reused, while reducing the damage electronic items can have on the environment and human health.
E-waste is the fastest-growing stream of waste worldwide and covers everything from old mobile phones, computers, audio devices, refrigerators and other white goods, hair dryers, TVs, heaters, and air-conditioners.
The Labor Government has also invested $16.5 million to help councils across the state upgrade their e-waste collection and storage facilities, and deliver an education program to support the ban on e-waste in landfills.
To learn more about e-waste in Victoria and find your nearest drop-off point go to ewaste.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re making sure Victorian households know how to dispose of e-waste properly and easily ahead of the e-waste to landfill ban on 1 July.”
“It’s great to see businesses like Officeworks getting on board to ensure all Victorians to have a convenient drop-off point close to home.”
“E-waste contains valuable materials that we can recover and reuse, but if left in the wrong place, they can also harm the environment and human health – this is why it’s so important these items are disposed of properly and don’t end up in the rubbish.”
The Andrews Labor Government is taking the next step in achieving its target of net zero emissions by 2050, tabling expert independent advice on setting interim targets and kicking off a new round of community and industry consultation.
The consultation will inform the Labor Government’s decision on Victoria’s interim emission reduction targets for 2025 and 2030, in line with the requirements of the Climate Change Act 2017.
The consultation process follows the tabling in Parliament of the Independent Expert Panel’s report on Interim Emissions Reduction Targets for Victoria (2021-2030), with the Government required to set the interim targets by March 2020.
Action on climate change is crucial to growing our economy, boosting jobs, managing environmental impacts and protecting the health and wellbeing of Victorians.
The Independent Expert Panel, chaired by the Hon Greg Combet AM, undertook extensive community engagement and considered the latest evidence to inform their recommended target range, and to identify opportunities to further reduce Victoria’s emissions.
The Panel highlighted the importance of setting environmentally and economically responsible targets and outlined a number of advantages in Victoria taking action on climate change – including new jobs and industries, improved productivity and better environmental outcomes.
Victoria’s world leading climate change legislation is ensuring all levels of government play their part in reducing emissions.
The Labor Government will undertake a wide-ranging consultation on the Panel’s report, including meeting with key stakeholders and the opportunity for people to provide input through Engage Victoria.
The community can have their say on the report and working towards achieving Victoria’s emissions reduction targets at engage.vic.gov.au/climate-change-reducing-victorias-greenhouse-gas-emissions.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Reducing emissions and tackling climate change will create jobs and grow our economy – we want Victoria to be first in line to benefit from the opportunities a low carbon economy will deliver.”
“The Government looks forward to working closely with industry and the wider community to deliver on our targets, create jobs and take real action on climate change.”
“We know we need to act now – that’s why we’re investing in renewable energy and putting solar on 770,000 homes across Victoria.”
The Andrews Labor Government is taking the next step in achieving its target of net zero emissions by 2050, tabling expert independent advice on setting interim targets and kicking off a new round of community and industry consultation.
The consultation will inform the Labor Government’s decision on Victoria’s interim emission reduction targets for 2025 and 2030, in line with the requirements of the Climate Change Act 2017.
The consultation process follows the tabling in Parliament of the Independent Expert Panel’s report on Interim Emissions Reduction Targets for Victoria (2021-2030), with the Government required to set the interim targets by March 2020.
Action on climate change is crucial to growing our economy, boosting jobs, managing environmental impacts and protecting the health and wellbeing of Victorians.
The Independent Expert Panel, chaired by the Hon Greg Combet AM, undertook extensive community engagement and considered the latest evidence to inform their recommended target range, and to identify opportunities to further reduce Victoria’s emissions.
The Panel highlighted the importance of setting environmentally and economically responsible targets and outlined a number of advantages in Victoria taking action on climate change – including new jobs and industries, improved productivity and better environmental outcomes.
Victoria’s world leading climate change legislation is ensuring all levels of government play their part in reducing emissions.
The Labor Government will undertake a wide-ranging consultation on the Panel’s report, including meeting with key stakeholders and the opportunity for people to provide input through Engage Victoria.
The community can have their say on the report and working towards achieving Victoria’s emissions reduction targets at engage.vic.gov.au/climate-change-reducing-victorias-greenhouse-gas-emissions.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Reducing emissions and tackling climate change will create jobs and grow our economy – we want Victoria to be first in line to benefit from the opportunities a low carbon economy will deliver.”
“The Government looks forward to working closely with industry and the wider community to deliver on our targets, create jobs and take real action on climate change.”
“We know we need to act now – that’s why we’re investing in renewable energy and putting solar on 770,000 homes across Victoria.”
Victorians will soon have access to thousands of hectares of new open space and parklands, with the Andrews Labor Government investing $154 million on a ring of new parklands in the growing suburbs that need it most.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio said the unprecedented investment would help re-establish Victoria’s title as the Garden State, giving families great places to relax, unwind and spend time with their loved ones.
The funding will create up to 6,500 hectares of new parkland, walking trails, bike trails, pocket parks and dog parks – the equivalent of more than 170 Royal Botanic Gardens.
Suburbs like Officer, Clyde, Craigieburn, South Morang and Carrum will get new parks equivalent to more than 3,000 MCGs – creating a ring of new parkland across outer Melbourne.
Plenty River Trail will receive a $19 million upgrade with 17 kilometres of new walking and cycling trails, along with $10 million for new trails across the northern metropolitan area and $4 million for upgrades in Wattle Park including new playground and 3.5 kilometre track.
The Victorian Budget 2019/20 also delivers $8 million for the Greening the Pipeline project, which is creating a long park with more green space and trees along a former sewer pipe, supported by an integrated stormwater system that uses recycled stormwater to irrigate the park.
Twenty-five pocket parks will be created in inner-city suburbs with higher density developments to help green our suburbs and provide much-needed recreation space.
Exact locations for the pocket parks are yet to be determined, but will be in the districts of Prahran, Richmond, Albert Park, Eltham, Bentleigh Brunswick, Northcote, Williamstown, Essendon, Oakleigh, Caulfield and Ivanhoe.
Animal lovers will also be catered for with enclosed dog parks created across 16 local government areas, including Boroondara, Brimbank, Casey, Darebin, Glen Eira, Hume, Kingston, Knox, Maribyrnong, Maroondah, Moonee Valley, Nillumbik, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Whitehorse and Wyndham.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Victoria was the Garden State and through investments like this, our beautiful, vibrant city can once again be known as the parks capital of Australia.”
“Melbourne is already one of the world’s most liveable cities and we’re ensuring future generations in these growing suburbs have access to open, green space.”
“We’re making sure every Victorian family has a great local park to enjoy a day off and spend time together, no matter where they live.”
Victorians will soon have access to thousands of hectares of new open space and parklands, with the Andrews Labor Government investing $154 million on a ring of new parklands in the growing suburbs that need it most.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio said the unprecedented investment would help re-establish Victoria’s title as the Garden State, giving families great places to relax, unwind and spend time with their loved ones.
The funding will create up to 6,500 hectares of new parkland, walking trails, bike trails, pocket parks and dog parks – the equivalent of more than 170 Royal Botanic Gardens.
Suburbs like Officer, Clyde, Craigieburn, South Morang and Carrum will get new parks equivalent to more than 3,000 MCGs – creating a ring of new parkland across outer Melbourne.
Plenty River Trail will receive a $19 million upgrade with 17 kilometres of new walking and cycling trails, along with $10 million for new trails across the northern metropolitan area and $4 million for upgrades in Wattle Park including new playground and 3.5 kilometre track.
The Victorian Budget 2019/20 also delivers $8 million for the Greening the Pipeline project, which is creating a long park with more green space and trees along a former sewer pipe, supported by an integrated stormwater system that uses recycled stormwater to irrigate the park.
Twenty-five pocket parks will be created in inner-city suburbs with higher density developments to help green our suburbs and provide much-needed recreation space.
Exact locations for the pocket parks are yet to be determined, but will be in the districts of Prahran, Richmond, Albert Park, Eltham, Bentleigh Brunswick, Northcote, Williamstown, Essendon, Oakleigh, Caulfield and Ivanhoe.
Animal lovers will also be catered for with enclosed dog parks created across 16 local government areas, including Boroondara, Brimbank, Casey, Darebin, Glen Eira, Hume, Kingston, Knox, Maribyrnong, Maroondah, Moonee Valley, Nillumbik, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Whitehorse and Wyndham.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Victoria was the Garden State and through investments like this, our beautiful, vibrant city can once again be known as the parks capital of Australia.”
“Melbourne is already one of the world’s most liveable cities and we’re ensuring future generations in these growing suburbs have access to open, green space.”
“We’re making sure every Victorian family has a great local park to enjoy a day off and spend time together, no matter where they live.”