The Tasmanian Government has tabled part two of its Review of the Climate Change (State Action) Act 2008, concluding that the State is on target to meet its emissions reduction target.

 

State Minister for Climate Change, Cassy O’Connor, said that the review found that there is a high likelihood of Tasmania meeting its 60% emissions reduction target below 1990 levels by 2050.

 

"In 2010 Tasmania had already reduced emissions by 30 per cent below 1990 levels (half way to our 60 per cent target) and the review concludes that with the introduction of a national carbon price Tasmania is on track to meet its 2050 target," Ms O’Connor.

 

"The review found that we can reasonably expect reductions of approximately 3.1 Mt CO2e in 2030 and 4.9 Mt CO2e, down from 7.6 Mt CO2e in 2010, which means the legislated target could be reached between 2030 and 2050 without significant additional cost."

 

Ms O’Connor said the review suggested only minor changes to the Act, and that the State should maintain its 2050 targets and continue to support all current programs and actions.

 

"Reviewers, Sinclair Knight Merz, recommended minor amendments to the Act to strengthen the objectives, clarify roles and responsibilities and include the 2050 emission reduction target baseline measurement," Ms O’Connor said.

 

"Regulations that give effect to clarifying the methodology and baseline for measuring Tasmania's emissions have been gazetted today, and we will be actively exploring the other options presented in the review in our Government response. “

 

The full review can be found here