The NSW Government has delivered a State Budget with a conspicuous lack of investment in climate action and improving our environment, and a shortfall on Climate Fund Change fund spending, according to the NSW Greens.
NSW Greens MLC and Treasury spokesperson Justin Field has also called on windfall profits from the sale of Snowy Hydro to the Commonwealth to be directed to regional NSW, with the majority of funds earmarked for climate action and renewable energy investment.
NSW Greens MLC and Treasury spokesperson Justin Field said, “This is the third year in a row that the NSW Government has underspent money earmarked for the Climate Change Fund, despite rising greenhouse gas emissions and an urgent need for action.
“The State Government has no credible plan or adequate funding to reach the state’s goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
“The NSW Climate Action Plans announced by the Government in 2016 remain in draft form or unreleased, more than six months after their due date.
“We are living with climate disruption now. Every day the NSW Government delays or under invests in action causes risk to people, communities and our environment.
Climate disruption, including from droughts and floods will disproportionately impact regional communities. The ongoing underspending on the climate change fund is negligent.
“This NSW Liberal/National Government record when it comes to climate action is appalling. NSW remains one of the largest coal exporting regions anywhere on the planet and there are live plans for new and expanding fossil fuel projects, from coal and coal seam gas to a gasfield off the coastline from Sydney’s Northern Beaches to Newcastle.
“The community overwhelmingly supports renewable energy as a better way to power our future society and economy.
“We have the technology, we have the tools and the know-how. The NSW Government either needs to get on board with climate action, or get out of the way for political leaders who will.
“The Greens will be working in the community to build the movement that pushes them out of the way,” he said.
📷: Jeremy Buckingham, Greens MLC
