Ambitious interim target set for State Government emissions

  • WA Government to cut its own emissions by 80 per cent below 2020 levels by 2030
  • Significant target shows leadership for business, industry and broader economy
  • Climate action is crucial to diversifying the WA economy and creating long-term jobs 
  • The McGowan Labor Government is taking the next step in achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by committing to a whole-of-government 2030 reduction target of 80 per cent below 2020 levels.

    This ambitious emissions reduction target shows responsible leadership and is a signal to business and industry in Western Australia that climate action and emissions reduction is a priority for the State Government. It also provides a clear message that WA is open for investment in renewable energy generation.

    This interim target of 80 per cent below 2020 levels applies to emissions from all Government agencies across the State, including transport, health and education, and emissions generated by Government Trading Enterprises (GTE’s).

    This commitment builds on a recent announcement that Synergy will transition out of coal-fired power generation by 2030. An estimated $3.8 billion will be invested in new green power infrastructure in the South West Interconnected System (SWIS), including wind generation and storage, to ensure emissions reduction, continued stability and affordability.

    This will be the largest infrastructure program in WA since METRONET and will set up the State for a low carbon, reliable and affordable renewable energy future, while creating thousands of jobs in regional WA.

    The State Government has also committed to not building any new natural gas-fired power stations on the SWIS after 2030.

    To help achieve this target, the Government with deliver a range of initiatives to reduce the net emissions of Government, including energy efficiency measures, procurement of renewable energy, reduced emissions in the Government vehicle fleet and the use of local offsets.

    Work will continue with businesses, industry and research institutions to identify robust and credible emissions reduction pathways through the development of Sectoral Emissions Reduction Strategies (SERS).

    As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:

    “My Government has an ambitious climate agenda, which can be delivered responsibly.

    “Action on climate change is crucial to diversifying the WA economy, creating long-term jobs, managing environmental impacts, and protecting the health and wellbeing of Western Australians.

    “This interim target sends a signal to the broader economy that we are serious about tackling climate change and setting up Western Australia for a healthy, prosperous low carbon future.”

    As stated by Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby:

    “We know this is the decade we need to act on climate change.

    “The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Sixth Assessment Report found that unless there are rapid reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, limiting climate change impacts in line with the Paris Agreement will be beyond reach.

    “There are a number of initiatives Government can pursue to reduce its own emissions, and I will work with my colleagues across Government to deliver them over coming years.

    “Today’s announcement demonstrates leadership from the State Government in emissions reduction. I encourage WA business and industry leaders to be similarly ambitious as we work to develop the SERS over coming months.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.