The Andrews Labor Government will protect our environment and ensure a reliable and affordable energy supply for every Victorian.
Under the Victorian Budget 2017/18, more than $921 million will help boost our bushfire prevention capability, protect our clean and green environment, prepare our state for climate change and to continue the fight for a fair energy market.
$310 million will go towards bushfire prevention and better protection for Victoria’s forests and wildlife. As part of the Labor Government’s Safer Together bushfire prevention program, work will be undertaken to prevent bushfires on public land, improve access to our forests and boost firefighter safety, while creating hundreds of new jobs.
The Budget includes $86.3 million to implement Victoria’s new biodiversity plan and protect our state’s precious native flora and fauna, which is good for the environment and good for jobs.
A further $25.4 million will go towards taking decisive action on climate change, including protecting our coasts, as well as a $54.6 million to make sure families can continue to enjoy our parks and reserves.
The funding also includes:
- $162.5 million to implement an independent inquiry’s recommendations for a stronger EPA
- $30.4 million to invest in waste and resource recovery
- $7.2 million to improve the management of Victoria’s marine and coastal environments
- $3 million to remediate contaminated land at Victorian gun clubs
Victoria’s energy system will also be modernised with $88.8 million to test new technologies such as battery storage and to develop our renewable energy sector, including trialling micro grids.
Important work is also being done to make sure Victorians have a reliable and affordable energy supply, with $12.9 million to reform the National Energy Market and $10.8 million to help consumers better manage their energy costs.
An additional $9.5 million will also be provided to secure solar power for Melbourne’s tram network.
Our youngest Victorians won’t miss out either, with $5.8 million to continue the ‘Kids Free’ policy for zoos and $4.4 million to implement an education program in schools on protecting our sustainability and environment.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re taking action on climate change and protecting our environment, for this generation and the next.”
“Victorians rightly expect a reliable, sustainable and affordable energy supply – and that’s exactly what we’re delivering.”
“This is one of the most significant investments towards keeping Victorians, their property and the environment safe from the threat of bushfires.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020