Greens Leader Adam Bandt says that Scott Morrison’s 2050 plan is a climate fraud and will be treated like a sick joke in Glasgow.
Mr Bandt said there is no detailed plan, just a rehash of last year’s Technology Roadmap, and up to half of the claimed emission reduction relies on offsets, accounting tricks and unproven technology.
The so-called plan has no new money, no new policies, no increase to 2030 targets and will mean more coal and gas. The Prime Minister boasted in his press conference that the plan is based on “existing policies”.
The Glasgow Summit is meant to be about increased 2030 targets instead the Prime Minister will keep Tony Abbott’s almost decade old target and his claimed “meet and beat” projections will still cook the planet and our kids.
The Greens will take to Glasgow a policy of a legislated 75% reduction target by 2030 and net–zero by 2035.
Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:
“When they see this document in Glasgow, they won’t be calling Scott Morrison heroic, they’ll be calling him a joke.
“This isn’t a plan, it’s a climate fraud. There’s no new money, no new policies, more coal and gas and 2030 targets that will cook our kids.
“The only thing we will “meet” is our alarming trajectory towards 1.5 degrees of warming. The only thing we will “beat” is our previous heatwave and bushfires records.
“Weak 2030 targets are a death sentence. Morrison’s plan is dangerous and will cost our kids their future.
“We need a plan to phase out coal and gas and we need it now. But after 8 years in government, after all the warnings, at five minutes before the most important climate conference in a generation, they’re expanding coal and gas and refusing to lift 2030 targets.
“After attacking anyone who had a climate policy and tearing them down to get himself ahead, today Scott Morrison wants applause for putting our lives at risk and making the climate crisis the next government’s problem.”
Month: October 2021
Australia’s plan to reach our net zero target by 2050
The Morrison Government will act in a practical, responsible way to deliver net zero emissions by 2050 while preserving Australian jobs and generating new opportunities for industries and regional Australia.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor today released Australia’s Long Term Emissions Reduction Plan (the Plan), to deliver net zero emissions by 2050.
The technology-driven plan sets out a credible pathway to net zero by 2050, while preserving our existing industries, establishing Australia as a leader in low emissions technologies, and positioning our regions to prosper.
The Plan is based on our existing policies and will be guided by five principles that will ensure Australia’s shift to a net zero economy will not put industries, regions or jobs at risk.
The principles are: technology not taxes; expand choices not mandates; drive down the cost of a range of new technologies; keep energy prices down with affordable and reliable power; and, be accountable for progress.
The Plan focuses on driving down technology costs and accelerating their deployment at scale across the economy.
Over the next decade, our existing $20 billion investment in low emissions technology is expected to unlock at least $80 billion of total private and public investment, including in clean hydrogen, carbon capture and storage and energy storage.
The Plan also identifies the potential for continued technology advances and breakthroughs to unlock ultra low cost solar. As part of the annual update to the Technology Investment Roadmap, we have set a stretch goal of solar electricity generation at $15 per megawatt hour (MWh). Australia is a world leader in renewable energy, and cheap, clean electricity is integral to lowering emissions in the electricity sector and other industries in Australia.
The Plan shows how our priority technologies will deliver 85 per cent of the emissions reductions necessary to achieve net zero by 2050. This is achieved through our strong track record, with emissions already more than 20 per cent lower than 2005 levels, the Technology Investment Roadmap which will reduce emissions by around 40 per cent, global technology trends that will reduce emissions by 15 per cent, and high-integrity offsets that will achieve at least a further 10 per cent reduction.
It recognises the role future technology breakthroughs will play in closing the gap, with new and emerging technologies to reduce emissions by a further 15 per cent by 2050.
The Plan rules out taxes or a legislated mechanism, because these regressive approaches would impose costs on households, businesses and regions least able to afford them.
It includes five-yearly reviews that will enable us to evaluate progress, and adapt to advances in technology.
The Prime Minister said the Plan would continue to reduce Australia’s emissions while keeping our economy growing, maintaining affordable, reliable energy, and ensuring our regions remain strong.
“Australia now has a target to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, and we have a clear plan for achieving it,” the Prime Minister said. “The Plan outlines responsible, practical action to achieve net zero that is in our national interest.
“The Plan will deliver results through technology, not taxes. It respects people’s choice, and will not force mandates on what people can do or buy. It guarantees that we keep downward pressure on energy prices and secures reliable power. It will ensure Australia continues to serve traditional markets, while taking advantage of new economic opportunities.
“The Plan has the prosperity and wellbeing of regional Australia at its core. We have an opportunity to act now to harness existing regional strengths, unlock new areas of growth, and diversify economic activity in regions. We will invest in rural and regional Australia to ensure it succeeds and is protected under the Plan.
“Australia will continue to build on our record of reducing emissions and achieve our targets in the Australian way.”
Minister Taylor said Australia’s emissions reduction story had been one of consistent achievement, and the Plan had been designed for Australia.
“Our Plan continues the policies and initiatives that we have already put in place and that have proven to be successful, while preserving existing industries and jobs, and supporting regional Australia,” Minister Taylor said. “It will not shut down coal or gas production, or require displacement of productive agricultural land.
“Between 2005 and 2021, Australia’s emissions fell by 20.8 per cent, outpacing the reductions of the United States, Canada and New Zealand, and every other major commodity exporting nation in the world. The most recent forecast shows we will cut our emissions by up to 35 per cent by 2030.
“Under our Plan, the Technology Investment Roadmap and global trends will see Australia reduce its emissions by 85 per cent by 2050. We are committed to closing the gap to net zero over the next three decades in a way that is consistent with Liberal Party and National Party values.
“Our Plan is built on a set of key principles; the most important being technology, not taxes. Unlike Labor, we won’t introduce a carbon tax that drives Australian jobs overseas and punishes the most vulnerable in our community through higher prices for electricity and other essentials.”
Latest official projections released today show Australia is on track to reduce emissions by up to 35 per cent by 2030, well above our target of 26 to 28 per cent.
The Plan will maintain this momentum.
The Plan can be found at: https://industry.gov.au/LongTermEmissionsReduction
More information at: https://positiveenergy.gov.au and http://industry.gov.au/AEP2021
Ordinary Council Meeting 26 October 2021
Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 26 October 2021
Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 26 October 2021. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Supporting alfresco outdoor dining in Newcastle
A Lord Mayoral Minute noting that the NSW Government has announced a new policy, and grant funding, to support local businesses to expand their footprint to new outdoor spaces through the Alfresco Outdoor Dining initiative, was unanimously supported by Councillors.
City of Newcastle will notify local businesses about its support for the Alfresco Outdoor Dining initiative, including facilitating the implementation of the expanded alfresco outdoor dining policy. Information will be provided to local businesses so they can take full advantage of the initiative as they recover from the affects of the pandemic.
Basketball Courts at National Park
A Lord Mayoral Minute noting that a key principle of the current 2012 National Park Plan of Management (PoM) is to provide sporting, recreation, and leisure facilities to meet the current and future needs of the community, was supported by Councillors.
The Minute also noted that the former tennis courts site is categorised as ‘sportsground’ under the current PoM, with the objective of sportsground land being to ‘encourage, promote and facilitate organised and informal sporting activities and games’.
Council endorsed the provision of four new basketball courts, currently under construction, following the success of the construction of two basketball courts in September 2020, noting that a Review of Environmental Factors has stated that the project aligns with the intention of the National Park Plan of Management 2012.
The Minute acknowledged that since the adoption of the 2012 PoM, the conversion of the former Life Without Barriers site has provided an additional 9750m2 of green space not previously accessible to the public, which has been rehabilitated for passive recreation.
The Minute also recognised that the provision of four new basketball courts returns this space back to the public and aligns with the 2012 PoM, while providing an additional 1250m2 of green space surrounding the new courts, and significantly updating public amenity including the provision of new shelters, seating, a drinking water station and brand-new playing surfaces.
Councillors noted that the exhibition of an updated National Park Plan of Management will occur in 2022.
Ordinary Business
Suspension of Councillor Kath Elliott
Councillors noted the Office of Local Government suspension of Councillor Kath Elliott from civic office for six weeks from 18 October until 29 November 2021.
NSW Land and Housing Corporation – Memorandum of Understanding Councillors endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation, to formalise a shared vision in relation to the provision of social and affordable housing in Newcastle.
Quarterly Budget Review – September 2021
The September Quarterly Budget Review Statement was adopted by Council.
Adoption of the Housing Policy
Councillors unanimously voted to adopt the Housing Policy, which outlines City of Newcastle’s commitments and priorities to facilitate more affordable housing in strategic growth areas and provide direction for the provision of affordable housing in new development.
Public Exhibition of the Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan
Councillors unanimously voted to place the draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) 2021-2025 on public exhibition for a period of 28 days. The draft DIAP outlines strategies and actions to ensure people in the community with a disability can access services and facilities.
Special Flood Considerations Clause – Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012
Council unanimously supported the inclusion of the ‘special flood considerations’ clause within the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012.
City of Newcastle will confirm to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment that is wishes to have the ‘special flood considerations’ clause included.
Endorsement of Planning Proposal and Development Control Plan for Community Infrastructure Incentives at Wickham
Councillors unanimously voted to lay this item on the table.
Request for Interim Heritage Order – St Columban’s Church Mayfield
Council endorsed a request to the Heritage Council of NSW to place an Interim Heritage Order over St Columban’s Church in Mayfield.
Adoption of Section 7.11 and Section 7.12 Development Contribution Plans Councillors unanimously voted to adopt the Section 7.11 Development Contribution Plan and Section 7.12 Development Contribution Plan. The Plans will come into force on 1 January 2022.
Adoption of the 2021/21 Annual Financial Statements
Councillors received and adopted City of Newcastle’s audited Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2021.
More information about the Annual Financial Statements can be found here.
Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest – Annual Report
Councillors noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for 2020/21 in accordance with the Code of Conduct.
Public Exhibition of the Draft Alcohol Regulated Areas
Councillors endorsed the placement of proposed amendments to Alcohol Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas on public exhibition for a period of 30 days.
Temporary Suspension of Alcohol Free Zones
Councillors approved the temporary suspension of Alcohol Free Zones in the Newcastle Foreshore area for the purpose of two events in December 2021.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Councillors received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for September 2021, which reports on City of Newcastle’s monthly performance.
Tender Report – Biennial Civil Construction and Maintenance Heavy Patching
Councillors unanimously voted to award a tenderer for the provision of heavy patching to deliver road pavement repairs throughout Newcastle.
Tender Report – Newcastle Ocean Baths Upgrade Stage 1
Councillors unanimously voted to award a tenderer for the construction of the Newcastle Ocean Baths Upgrade Stage 1.
Notices of Motion
Development Control Plan Review
A Notice of Motion relating to the scheduled review of City of Newcastle’s Development Control Plan (DCP) was adopted by Council.
As part of the review, City of Newcastle will consider issues including car stackers, sustainability of buildings, access and service stations.
Charter of Commitment Honesty
A Notice of Motion was introduced that called for all candidates contesting the 2021 Local Government Election to ensure any election commitment are properly costed, budgeted, or any new expenditure is offset by savings or additional revenue.
City of Newcastle will establish a Charter of Budget Honesty for all candidates contesting the 2021 Local Government Elections.
SIEV-X Memorial Plaque
A Notice of Motion which acknowledged the 20th anniversary of the SIEV-X tragedy, which saw the SIEV-X sink on the way to Australia, resulting in the drowning of 146 children, 142 women and 65 men on 19 October 2001, was adopted.
City of Newcastle will refer the Motion to the Community and Culture Community to consider a commemorative plaque in remembrance of the SIEV-X at Newcastle’s Harbour Foreshore.
Funding future infrastructure top of the agenda with population and development set to boom
An improved framework to fund future community infrastructure will be considered by the elected Council at tonight’s Ordinary Council Meeting, to support 23,000 new residents by 2036.
The new Section 7.11 and 7.12 Development Contributions Plans propose that new developments reasonably contribute towards the cost of community infrastructure like roads, footpaths, sporting facilities, parks and playgrounds to support new residents and growth across the city.
City of Newcastle Manager Regulatory, Planning and Assessment Michelle Bisson said the draft Development Contribution Plans gained in principle support from key industry groups during recent public exhibition.
“Our Development Contribution Plans are needed to fund future infrastructure and bring Newcastle in line with neighbouring Councils, and have been met with complimentary feedback by key stakeholders,” Ms Bisson said.
“Newcastle will see 23,000 new residents and 11,500 new dwellings by 2036, and we need to ensure public infrastructure keeps pace with growth and is equitably funded, to ensure current ratepayers aren’t financially burdened by infrastructure requirements as a result of future development.
“Industry groups recognise the future population growth over the next 15 years will create demand for new and improved transport, community and social infrastructure, and they are generally supportive of this new framework that sets reasonable contributions to support the supply of new infrastructure in areas where developments occur.
“From the first of January, contributions from the new Plans will be used to fund vital community infrastructure over the next 15 years as our urbanised city evolves and continues to grow, including the cycleway network, pedestrian accessibility and mobility network, local area traffic management works, bus shelters, parks and playgrounds, sporting grounds and recreation facilities, and town centre public domain improvements.”
An additional $6.5 million per year is expected to be raised for investment in essential roads, sporting facilities and playgrounds for the Newcastle community’s benefit, whilst contributions rates will remain less than surrounding Councils.
Whilst there has been a recent boom in development applications as residents have undertaken minor renovations during the COVID lockdown, minor works under $200,000 undertaken on existing residential dwellings will not be affected.
Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Chief Executive NSW Steve Mann said it is pleasing that the City of Newcastle has, in recent years, been investing heavily in local infrastructure.
“City of Newcastle’s spending on local infrastructure has recently been outpacing its developer contributions,” Mr Mann said.
“So whilst we are always concerned by any increase in the rate of development contributions and the impact on housing affordability that the new plan may have, UDIA does not oppose the introduction of a new Section 7.11 plan to ensure the city can continue to deliver for its residents.
“UDIA is keen to work with City of Newcastle to ensure they continue to spend the contributions for the purpose for which they are collected.”
In the 2020/21 financial year, City of Newcastle collected $3.35 million in development contributions (outside of the Western Corridor). In the same period, City of Newcastle spent $13.2 million on identified infrastructure and priority projects.
New Police helicopters to keep the community safe
The NSW Police Force now operates the newest fleet of police helicopters in the Southern Hemisphere following the Government’s investment in three new Bell 429 helicopters.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott joined NSW Police Commissioner Michael Fuller APM and the Member for East Hills Wendy Lindsay today to unveil the three new light helicopters at a commissioning ceremony at the Police Aviation Command in Bankstown.
The three additional light helicopters bring the current Aviation Command fleet to eight aircraft, with two Bell 412 helicopters and three Cessna Caravan fixed-wing aircraft, and were funded by the NSW Government $50 million Future Light Helicopter Program.
PolAir helicopters have undertaken 645 search-and-rescue operations locating 157 missing people, and rescuing a further 30 members of the community so far this year.
Mr Perrottet said the new light helicopter fleet represents a record investment in the State’s aviation law-enforcement capabilities.
“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring the NSW Police Force has the world-leading resources and equipment to keep our communities safe across the entire state,” he said.
“We know that these aviation resources are a vital component to our policing responses, and I am confident that PolAir 1, 3 and 4 will play a critical role in our future operations.”
Mr Elliott said the NSW Police Force Aviation Command is one of the most experienced and capable law-enforcement aviation agencies in the world.
“We’ve all seen the important work of the Police Aviation Command in recent weeks after a PolAir crew found three-year-old ‘AJ’ who’d been missing from his family farm in Putty for 72 hours,” Mr Elliott said.
“Only five days earlier, we saw a PolAir crew rescue a 15-year-old girl after she was thrown into the water of the Nepean River and washed into an inaccessible part where debris from recent floods had formed an island of logs trapped in a bottleneck of fast-flowing water.
“Land crews had been unable to reach her and the teen had been in the cold waters of the Nepean River for up to two hours when the helicopter crew sighted her, clinging to a semi-submerged log.
“The Polair crew member was winched down to the river and swam to the girl, securing her into the harness before they were both winched back to the safety of the helicopter.”
Commissioner Fuller said each helicopter had been purpose-built to policing specifications.
“The Bell 429 helicopters have been specifically designed and fitted with the best technology available to carry out search and rescue operations, conduct aerial patrols and surveillance operations,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“Each one has been customised with the most sophisticated equipment, including a FLIR camera system, advanced mapping systems, tactical radio and rescue hoist winch.
Other important features of the Bell 429 helicopters include a high-powered controllable search light ‘Trakka beam’, video downlinking for real time situational awareness and a public address system.
NSW government leads nationwide push to mitigate and respond to identity crime
The NSW Government is establishing a new nation-leading identity support unit to minimise the risks associated with identity theft and make it easier for customers to access help in the event their personal information or government proof of identity credentials are stolen or fraudulently obtained.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said IDSupport NSW will support customers and NSW Government agencies to prevent identity misuse and in the event of a data breach provide a single point of call support service for citizens.
“This is an escalating problem around the world and NSW will lead the way when it comes to the solution,” Mr Dominello said.
“IDSupport NSW will for the first time provide a single point-of-contact for customers who have had their identity compromised, while ensuring we have a coordinated end-to-end privacy incident response service in NSW Government.
“The unit will remove the burden from customers who need to replace identification documents, improving their experience at what we know can be a difficult time.”
IDSupport NSW will work with government agencies to mitigate the risk of stolen or fraudulently obtained personal information and identity credentials being used for identity crimes and replace compromised identity documents where appropriate.
IDSupport will also provide the customer with options for additional support and counselling services.
The unit will work closely with Cyber Security NSW and other Government agencies to perform proactive mitigation activities and deliver education and awareness campaigns about personal cyber security and identity resilience.
“Identity crime is becoming increasingly sophisticated which is why improving identity resilience has been a key action in the NSW Identity Strategy,” Mr Dominello said.
IDSupport NSW will work across all NSW Government departments and in collaboration with Australian and New Zealand identity and cyber support service, IDCARE, to provide seamless replacement of compromised Government proof of identity documents and expert advice to address issues with broader identity misuse.
“Customers will be able to contact one phone number and receive the right guidance, information and support, saving time and frustration during what can be a stressful time,” Mr Dominello said.
IDSupport NSW will complement a framework the Department of Customer Service is currently developing to support state government agencies to identify and mitigate potential privacy issues which may arise from data breaches.
The framework was a key recommendation of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Cyber Security released earlier this year. The Department of Customer Service is currently recruiting for experts to join IDSupport NSW and focus on the future development of the project, which is due to be launched early next year.
NSW Privacy Commissioner, Samantha Gavel, welcomed the responsiveness of NSW Government in addressing the recommendations of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Cyber Security.
“Cyber security risks have been elevated in recent years through the development of rapidly evolving technology and techniques by malicious actors and cyber breaches represent an increasing threat to citizens’ personal and identity information,” Ms Gavel said.
“It is important to mitigate and prevent identity theft and provide appropriate support to NSW citizens whose identity information has been compromised. The Privacy Commissioner welcomes these initiatives to assist and support citizens.”
IDCARE CEO Dr David Lacey said he was looking forward to working closely with the NSW Government.
“The aim of the partnership with IDSupport NSW is to develop best practice approaches to address identity compromise arising from data breaches. This will complement IDCARE’s tried and tested approach to helping customers within Australia and New Zealand address issues with broader identity misuse,” Dr Lacey said.
In 2020, the NSW Government committed a record $240 million to bolster its internal cyber capacity, established a regional Cyber Security Hub in Bathurst, led the work for the first industry standards taskforce and introduced SME targets for ICT expenditure across Government.
This year an additional $75 million has been allocated to small agencies for cyber security uplift as part of the Digital Restart Fund.
Big boost to national parks in western NSW
The NSW Government is massively expanding the NSW national park estate with the purchase of two properties, Avenel/Mt Westwood station near Broken Hill and Koonaburra station near Ivanhoe, which will add a combined 166,924 hectares.
Environment Minister, Matt Kean said these two purchases take the total additions to the national park estate to 520,000 hectares since August 2019.
“In just over two years we have added over half a million hectares to our park estate, smashing target after target and securing precious habitat and biodiversity for future generations,” Mr Kean said.
“This latest expansion will conserve significant areas of critically important habitat types in western NSW that are not currently protected in the park estate.”
Both properties are significant in size, with the 121,390 hectare Avenel/Mt Westwood Station the second largest purchase by NPWS in the state’s history.
Avenel/Mt Westwood Station, a remote and ecologically diverse landscape on the South Australian border, features spectacular dune fields of the Strzelecki desert transitioning to the rocky plateau of the Barrier Range, with a network of river red gum and coolabah fringed rivers, creeks and watercourses. The property also supports habitat for an estimated 30 threatened plant and animal species including the Australian bustard and the dusky hopping mouse.
Koonaburra station, will add a further 45,534 hectares includingan extensive area of sandplain and dune field country featuring a vast network of water depressions (“melon holes”) providing important water sources for many species. It also supports habitat for at least 20 threatened animal species including the Major Mitchell cockatoo, Mallee fowl and the fat-tailed dunnart.
NPWS is currently delivering the biggest investment in visitor infrastructure in national park history and this program will be extended to both Avenel and Koonaburra, ensuring both properties become “must see destinations” for the millions who visit our national parks every year.
New school on the way for Green Square
One of Australia’s fastest growing communities will soon see the construction of the new Green Square Public School following the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) lodgement.
The new primary school will provide fit-for-purpose learning spaces and core facilities to meet demand in the community. The project will include additional facilities designed for community use and shared spaces for both school and community use.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said this was exciting news for the community and she looked forward to construction starting.
“This school is an exciting project for the growing community and will be a centrepiece for the local area,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The school will bring world class educational facilities home to Green Square and build a precinct that the community and families will love.
“The NSW Government has continued to deliver for communities right across the State and families in Green Square will soon benefit from the record $15 billion investment in school building projects since 2017.”
An SSDA has been submitted to the City of Sydney for assessment, as delegated by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE).
The project is expected to begin site establishment and early works at Joynton Avenue later this year.
City of Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, said that the school will sit at the heart of the growing Green Square community and set a new benchmark for urban development.
“This revolutionary school design will provide much-needed community facilities that will be activated day and night for the whole community to use. It is an important addition to the area’s educational, social and cultural life,” the Lord Mayor said.
“By 2030, over 60,000 people will call Green Square home. The school will serve as a lynchpin that connects our award-winning library and civic plaza, 40 new parks and the Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre, which opened earlier this year. By planning for the community’s needs alongside residential development, we are transforming Sydney’s oldest industrial heartland into a lively, connected and well-serviced community.”
The NSW Government is investing $7.9 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 215 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This investment is part of the $15 billion school building program, the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.
New report offers roadmap for creating NSW hydrogen jobs of the future
Following its announcement of Australia’s largest hydrogen strategy, the NSW Government has released a new report outlining a roadmap to build a thriving Power-to-X (P2X) industry which could see the state become a global renewable energy superpower.
P2X technologies use cheap, excess renewable energy to split abundant molecules such as water, carbon dioxide and air to make green products like hydrogen, ammonia, methane and methanol for use as fuel, chemicals and feedstocks in NSW and for export to overseas markets as green energy commodities.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said the NSW P2X Industry Pre-Feasibility Study, led by UNSW Sydney, had unearthed the state’s potential to become a global leader in P2X.
“This is further confirmation that NSW intends to lead the country in green hydrogen production. Our state has an opportunity to capitalise on the global pivot to low-carbon fuels to commoditise our renewable resources and export to overseas markets, creating both clean energy and jobs for NSW,” Mr Ayres said.
“It’s critical that our future industry and investment planning aligns with NSW’s 2050 net-zero emissions target. NSW is revolutionising its industry and workforce by embracing new technologies to meet this commitment.
“A thriving P2X industry could also unlock opportunities to boost regional and NSW economics, with the report identifying opportunities to establish P2X industries in several regional centres including the Illawarra, Hunter and Parkes.
“By leveraging existing and planned infrastructure such as ports, inland rail and logistics hubs, our regional centres will become the powerhouse of P2X production to supply the local and global market.”
Treasurer and Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean said the study reaffirms NSW’s ambition to set the state up as a global hydrogen leader.
“P2X will not only help NSW in getting to net zero in 2050 and halving its emissions by 2030, it will create new opportunities for our heavy industry and make our state a global renewable powerhouse.” Mr Kean said.
NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said P2X will unlock the next wave of clean technology development opportunities for NSW.
“With many states in Australia and countries around the world now joining the hydrogen race, NSW is thinking beyond the hydrogen economy and aims to take the first-mover advantage to build our capabilities and industries in P2X,” Professor Durrant-Whyte said.
The NSW P2X Industry Pre-Feasibility Study roadmap proposes:
- A P2X Innovation Network to enhance collaboration between industry, researchers and government in technology advancement and industry development
- Establishing a P2X R&D Commercialisation Hub to provide research infrastructure, expertise, and resources to support commercialisation-driven R&D
- Deploying early stage P2X projects to pave the way for technology adoption at commercial scale
- Identifying export opportunities for P2X products
- Targeted investment in homegrown disruptive technologies
- Building vertically integrated P2X value chains and local manufacturing capability
- Developing P2X eco-industrial precincts to lay the foundation for NSW’s P2X economy.
To read the full study, visit: https://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/rdnsw/future-industries-reports/p2x
Police appeal to locate missing man – Lake Macquarie
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from Lake Macquarie.
Keith Metcalfe – aged 71 – was last seen at a facility at Toronto Road, Booragul, about 6.30pm yesterday (Monday 25 October 2021).
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified a short time later and commenced inquiries to locate Keith.
Police have serious concerns for his welfare as Keith lives with dementia.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of medium build, with a bald head and grey goatee.
Keith was last seen wearing a striped white top with a blue collar and brown pants.
Anyone who sights Keith, or who has information about his whereabouts, is urged to contact police immediately