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Farmers for Climate Action, an organisation representing more than 8000 farmers across Australia, supports the New South Wales Government’s move to put its climate targets into law.
“Farmers for Climate Action has long been calling for real bipartisan ambition on climate to ensure deep emissions reduction across the economy this decade.” Farmers for Climate Action CEO, Natalie Collard said.
“When governments legislate strong emissions reduction targets and a solid plan to get there – like the NSW Government has today – we know we’re making progress towards stronger climate policies.”
Ms Collard said the formalising of targets would provide vital certainty for businesses and industry as many NSW farmers battled the extremes brought by accelerating climate change. “Many NSW farmers were slammed by three years of floods only to now find they are in drought, with the potential for more hot, dry summer weather ahead,” Ms Collard said.
Farmers for Climate Action also welcomed the establishment of a Net Zero Commission – to ensure openness, transparency and genuine community consultation.
However farmers called on the state government to listen to the science and commit to closing Eraring’s coal-fired power station on time. “Extending the lifespan of the Eraring station will make it impossible to meet those targets the government has set,” said Ms Collard.
“We are hopeful that the NSW Government will also commit to real emission reductions as part of this Bill – the path to net zero cannot be built on carbon offsets.
“A swift step forward would be to reduce the current payback period for batteries from ten years to five. This would enable farm households and work sheds to use the renewable energy stored and to future-proof the grid as the energy mix changes.
“This shift to cleaner, cheaper energy can be done and farmers are keen to do their bit. Increasing the renewable power in our grid and on our farms, will help our farmers with the costs of growing our food.”
