Friday, February 7, 2025

Isaac Mayor applauds net zero authority as good news for communities at coal face

Isaac Regional Council Mayor, Anne Baker, has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of the National Net Zero Authority as a milestone win for resource communities.

Mayor, Anne Baker says the news is a vote of confidence for “communities at the coal face”.

Mining is the region’s largest employer, with 25 operating coal mines producing 42% of Queensland’s saleable coal.

“We’ve advocated strongly to ensure all resource communities across Australia are not alone and that they are supported by all levels of government through this transformational change,” Mayor Baker said.

“It gives us confidence that the government have listened and that all resource communities rightly have a seat at the table to co-design a plan for a decarbonised future.

“On behalf of our people, our workers, our communities, thank you for hearing us.”

On Friday, the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese announced the Government will legislate a national Net Zero Authority.

“The Authority will have responsibility for promoting the orderly and positive economic transformation associated with achieving net zero emissions,” said Mr Albanese.

“The global transformation to a net zero economy is a massive source of economic opportunity for Australia, its regions, industries and workers.”

The said the previous Government had “put its head in the sand for a decade and ignored the pleas of communities, unions and business for coordination and support through this massive change”.

“In contrast, the Albanese Government is acting to capitalise on our potential as a renewable energy superpower,” he said.

The PM says the new legislated Net Zero Authority will:

  • Support workers in emissions-intensive sectors to access new employment, skills and support as the net zero transformation continues.
  • Coordinate programs and policies across government to support regions and communities to attract and take advantage of new clean energy industries and set those industries up for success.
  • Help investors and companies to engage with net zero transformation opportunities.

To kickstart the Authority’s responsibilities immediately, the Government will recommend to the Governor-General the establishment of an Executive Agency from July 1 this year.

To be housed initially within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Agency will also develop advice to Government on the final design and establishment of the legislated national Net Zero Authority.

“The Authority will work with state, territory and local governments, existing regional bodies, unions, industry, investors and First Nations groups to help key regions, industries, employers and others proactively manage the transformation to a clean energy economy,” said Mr Albanese.

He said the Government will also provide additional funding from the $1.9 billion Powering the Regions Fund to support existing industry – including rail and aviation – and new clean energy industries, with the creation of a $400 million Industrial Transformation Stream.

More than 150 countries have now committed to net zero by 2050, including almost all major economies and the majority of Australia’s trading partners.

“The shift to net zero emissions by 2050 must happen fairly for Australians in emissions-intensive industries and the communities they live and work in.”

“The regions that have always powered Australia can power Australia into the future, but we need to seize those opportunities. This Authority is about leaving no-one behind as this global shift continues,” the Prime Minister said.

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