Climate change threatens to be an election issue

Summit Sun
Thursday 26/10/2006, Page: 4

STATE and national environment groups have put state politicians on notice that climate change is the number one environmental issue for the state election next March.

Cate Faehrmann Director, Nature Conservation Council said that the introduction bf a renewable energy target is a key ask in the lead up to the election.

"If we're going to address climate change we need targets to reduce greenhouse pollution, targets to kick-start renewable energy and a commitment to begin the shift away from polluting coal." Greenpeace Energy campaigner, Mark Wakeham said that NSW was being left behind in the race for renewables.

"Since 2001 South Australia has installed 215 wind turbines while NSW has installed 2.

In NSW there is no incentive in place to develop new renewable energy projects. Victoria and South Australia have seen the benefits of renewables and legislated their own state targets. Now its time that Premier Lemma gets serious about climate change and follow suit with a target to guarantee the growth of renewable energy in NSW. A 25 per cent target would generate enough clean energy to power every house in NSW," Mr Wakeham said.

The comments follow the release of a report "The Great Opportunity: 25% Renewable Energy for NSW". The report can be download from: http://www.nccnsw.org.au/