November 8, 2018: Greenpeace Australia Pacific (Greenpeace) today welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement that it will move to set a 2030 Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) of 50%, and the government’s announcement they will invest $82m over 10 years to provide an additional 50,000 rebates on solar panels for Victorian renters.However, it has also called on the government to be far more ambitious, and to provide further details on how they’ll hit their existing targets in a steady and phased way.

The VRET (Victoria Renewable Energy Target) is currently legislated at 40% by 2025.

Leader of the Liberal Opposition, Matthew Guy, has said he will scrap this target if elected.

“Matthew Guy’s approach is an echo of that of the Morrison government – the party is completely dominated by climate wreckers intent on trashing any attempt to modernise and clean up Victoria’s dirty energy system”, said Greenpeace Campaigner Ms Alix Foster Vander Elst.

“The Victorian Government’s announcements today look good by comparison – at least they’re making gestures at supporting a long-term future for the burgeoning renewable energy industry into the future.”

“The miserly 2% year on year increase in renewables the Victorian government is proposing is not enough. It misses the opportunity presented by plunging power prices, and does too little to address the threat of climate change – of which the devastating drought we are seeing is just one example.

“What we most want to see from the government is a clear statement that they will hit their existing target in a steady and phased way. We are calling on Daniel Andrews and Lily D’Ambrosio to make clear the path by which they will ensure that at least 1.5GW of renewable energy are built each year in Victoria.

“The future of Victoria, and the future of Australia, is clean, renewable energy. Renewable energy brings down power prices, it creates jobs and it’s the only way to halt climate change in its tracks. At present, there are cavernous gulfs between the policies of the Greens, the Government, and the Liberal and National parties, and voters should pay careful attention to these when they walk up to the ballot boxes on November 24.”

For interviews contact:

Simon Black

Greenpeace Australia Pacific Senior Media Campaigner

0418 219 086 / [email protected]