Isra-Mart srl: Explaining clean energy

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Community and industry groups turned out in force to hear the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Greg Combet explain the government’s clean energy package in Lismore yesterday.

Page MP Janelle Saffin introduced the Minister, declaring the government’s energy package was “for our children and grandchildren”.

It’s not the first time the Minister has been in the Northern Rivers area. His mother’s family comes from Nimbin. Minister Combet is related to the Nardi family.

“I spent many holidays in Nimbin,” the Minister told his audience gathered in the Art Space at Lismore TAFE before getting down to business.

“We are the largest polluters per person amongst all the developing economies,” he said. “We have a responsibility to do what is right by future generations and our economy.”

Minister Combet outlined the core of the clean energy package, which is the carbon price and the subsequent move to an emissions trading scheme in three years. The carbon price is the price that the largest polluters of greenhouse gases will have to pay for each tonne of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere.

It was a diverse crowd that listened to Minister Combet’s speech. They included representatives of the timber industry, environmental groups, agricultural groups, unions, sustainable food groups, community groups and renewable energy businesses.

“Putting a price tag on pollution will drive the renewable energy sector,” the Minister said.

The government’s long-term target for carbon pollution reduction has been raised from 60% to 80% below 2000 levels by 2050.

He pointed out that, contrary to misinformation, many economies already have emissions trading schemes in place (New Zealand, Europe) or planned for the near future (South Korea, California, China).

“I understand there are issues that people are apprehensive about,” he continued, “but a lot of that is whipped up by the fear mongers – Tony Abbott, to be frank.”

The Minister talked about the package’s tax reform, which gives tax cuts for lower income people, helping them with passed-on carbon costs. The tax-free threshold will treble from $6000 to $18,000. People earning under $18,000 won’t have to lodge a tax return. Pensions will also be increased.

Mr Combet assured the assembly that there was no need for apprehension regarding jobs, that the coal industry does have a strong future and that the clean energy package was a positive set of changes for the future – especially for young people.

He emphasised that the economy must adapt to the climate reality.

“Economies can’t stand still,” he said.

After his speech, the Minister mingled with the various groups.

With youth and future generations often referred to in the speeches, The Echo spoke with some young representatives of the various youth groups who were there.

“I think it (the clean energy package) is a good step but not necessarily enough,” Northern Rivers Youth Advisory Council chairman Jacob Fitzroy said. “I don’t understand how the coal industry can continue to grow in this supposedly environmental scheme. And linking with other countries’ efforts to control carbon emissions is essential to a global scheme.”

Hayden Doolan from Kyogle is also a member of Northern Rivers Youth Advisory Council.

“I believe there should be more involvement with the youth; more education,” Hayden said. “I’ve spoken to young people and they just don’t know about carbon pollution – it’s just politics to them.”

“Yeah, there needs to be more government support for youth organisations,” Jacob Fitzroy said. “Youth are not interested because they don’t think it affects them. It really needs to be portrayed as an environmental issue not a political one.”