Today’s Victorian budget keeps the state’s renewable investments on track but lacks measures to unlock its benefits to all Victorians households, and fails to include real action to protect Western Port Bay or tackle the invasive species crisis, says Environment Victoria.
Environment Victoria’s Campaign Director Alex Merory said today:
Making the renewable energy transition fairer
“This is a government that has done a lot of heavy lifting on the energy transition, but there are missing pieces that will worsen inequality if left unaddressed.”
“In a year when the cost of living crisis is worsening on the back of the global oil and gas crisis, it’s more important than ever that renewable energy programs unshackle Victorian households from fossil fuels.”
“To deliver on their important goals of climate and cutting cost of living for all Victorians dedicated investment is needed to help renters and people living in apartments and people on low income or living in government housing access household renewable solutions.”
Public transport
“Renewed investment in public transport is welcome. The $100 million over four years bus package is a positive acknowledgement of the value of buses to the life of our city – but a missed opportunity to do more. We still need to see investment in a better bus network for the 21st century ensuring fast, frequent, and connected buses servicing Melbourne’s outer suburbs.”
Western Port Bay needs protection
“We are deeply disappointed that despite a $124.5 million commitment to the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal, this budget fails to commit the comparatively small $2-3 million needed to develop a marine spatial plan for Western Port and establish a recurring fund to protect Western Port’s long-term health.”
Parks, nature and Invasive Species leadership still lacking
“Parks and nature desperately need funding to address massive cuts over the past few years. Without adequate funding the state government will keep fueling the extinction of wildlife and ecosystems in Victoria. We need to see money for First Nations led land management and protection of Country, protection of forests and wildlife, to manage invasive pests, and look after the places Victorians love.”
“It’s disappointing to see ongoing underfunding of invasive species management, leaving Victorian communities to carry the cost of invasive species. We’re already seeing the impact of this in feral deer control where individual landholders and communities face spiraling costs from one of the most destructive invasive species in our environment.”
“It’s ridiculous that in Victoria feral deer are protected species when the state government should be protecting communities from their devastating, costly environmental impacts instead.”
“In an election year, more needs to be done and we hope the state government will make further announcements closer to the election to show the Victorian public how it will protect our environment and ensure no Victorians are left behind in the clean energy transition.”