Submission on developing the next ACT Climate Change Strategy

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government has established strong foundations for climate change mitigation and resilience through the 2020–2025 Climate Change Strategy and associated net zero initiatives. The next Climate Change Strategy can build on these foundations to support the ACT Government’s ambitious vision for Canberra to become the first Australian city to achieve net zero emissions while maintaining a 100% renewable electricity supply. 

Recommendations from ATSE’s submission:

Recommendation 1: Incorporate a systems-based approach in the ACT Climate Change Strategy to help address complex, cross-sectoral challenges and reduce the risk of siloed decision-making.

Recommendation 2: Strengthen monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) for climate adaptation through increased use of data, modelling, and expert engagement to ensure policies remain responsive to evolving climate impacts.

Recommendation 3: Maintain and expand targeted incentives and financial support to increase electric vehicle adoption across the ACT, particularly for price-sensitive and low-income buyers.

Recommendation 4: Complement financial incentives with public awareness and engagement campaigns that highlight the long-term cost savings, environmental benefits, and charging options for electric vehicles.

Recommendation 5: Provide targeted incentives for landlords to install energy-efficient appliances, solar and battery systems, and virtual power plants in rental and multi-unit dwellings.

Recommendation 6: Develop the infrastructure and regulatory settings required to support emerging technologies such as vehicle-to-grid and vehicle-to-home systems, including in rental and multi-unit dwellings.

Recommendation 7: Accelerate the transition away from natural gas in the ACT by supporting the commercial and industrial sector to pilot electrification technologies, green hydrogen, and advanced biofuels.