Minister’s Message

I am pleased to report on the latest greenhouse gas accounts for Tasmania. The State’s emissions have declined by 100 per cent from 1990 levels. This means that Tasmania achieved zero net emissions for the first time in 2016.

Tasmania is the first jurisdiction in Australia to achieve zero net emissions. This is of international significance and reflects Tasmania’s longstanding investment in renewable energy and the carbon sink in our forests.

The latest greenhouse gas accounts confirm Tasmania’s status as a very low emitter. However, there is more we can do to further reduce the State’s greenhouse gas emissions, and continue to maintain zero net emissions into the future.

The Tasmanian Government has committed to making Tasmania energy self-sufficient by the end of 2022. This will require up to 1,000 gigawatt hours of additional renewable energy generation in Tasmania.

This target will further cement Tasmania’s place as the renewable energy battery of the nation, enhance energy security, and reduce Tasmania’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Last year, the Tasmanian Government released Climate Action 21: Tasmania’s Climate Change Action Plan 2017-21 (Climate Action 21), which sets the Tasmanian Government’s agenda for action on climate change through to 2021. Climate Action 21 has 37 actions based around six priority areas with actions focusing on: climate change research; improving energy efficiency; reducing transport emissions; and supporting business, local government and communities to take action.

This report on the latest greenhouse gas accounts highlights Tasmania’s competitive strengths in our natural assets and enviable renewable energy profile. It also reflects the important role that Tasmania can play in the global response to climate change.

Elise Archer MP

Minister for Environment