Victorian Climate Change Green Paper - message from the Minister For Environment And Climate Change
Green Paper - Message from the Minister (Printable version, PDF - 34 KB)
Victoria has entered a new climate of opportunity, in which our reforms to address climate change will open new prospects for our innovators and entrepreneurs.
For over a decade Victoria has been a national leader in tackling climate change. Now is the time to renew our efforts to ensure our industries, communities and families are ready to take advantage of the opportunities created by the transition to a carbon constrained economy.
Victoria’s innovation, skills and economic credentials mean we are well placed to take these opportunities. Victoria has led Australia in science, technology and innovation support. We have made critical investments in renewable and low emissions technologies and in the skills needed for a low carbon, more sustainable future.
The range of potential areas of opportunity for Victoria is extensive, from energy, agriculture and the built environment to design, manufacturing and carbon market operation. Now is the time to further focus this culture of innovation on the defining challenge of our century.
This Green Paper outlines our strategic vision for climate change action: driving innovation and opportunity; ensuring Victoria does its part in the national effort to reduce emissions; preparing for and adapting to the unavoidable impacts of climate change; and smoothing the transition for communities and families.
The Climate Change White Paper, to follow engagement with the community, will set out a comprehensive new climate change strategy and actions for the State. It is important that this renewed climate change agenda is finalised in the context of progress toward the Commonwealth Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.
Our objective is a truly sustainable policy response: creating economic opportunity; adopting new approaches to supporting vibrant and resilient communities and households; and managing and adapting to the impacts of climate change on our shared natural assets. Our legacy to the next generation must be an innovative and resilient Victoria, able to adapt to a low carbon future and take advantage of the new jobs, technologies and markets that will flow from it. This will require innovation and creativity, and is not a legacy that governments alone can create.
Through the Green Paper we will engage with individuals, communities and businesses to ensure our policy directions will provide a foundation for a prosperous and sustainable, low carbon future. Together we can rise to this challenge.
I encourage all Victorians to take the opportunity participate in the discussion, and share your ideas, expertise and vision for Victoria’s future.
Gavin Jennings
Minister for Environment and Climate Change
Minister for Innovation
