Region set to move Towards Net Zero

Towards Net Zero Bundaberg is the pathway that will support the region and its industries to reduce carbon emissions and keep pace with global and legislative change.

Bundaberg Regional Council endorsed the regional carbon reduction roadmap in response to the global shift towards carbon reduction with an ever-increasing focus on sustainability in the way people live, work and do business.

Mayor Jack Dempsey said recent changes to Federal and State Government legislation necessitated the change.

“Having a plan to achieve net zero is essential with the cost to communities who fail to act becoming clearer all the time,” Mayor Dempsey said.

“Some of the costs of inaction include those from changing legislation, with the potential for Council or businesses to become ineligible for new Government funding opportunities which will require a commitment to carbon reduction.

“Then there are the impacts on industry from the corporate shift to net zero.

“For example, our farmers might not be able to get their products into supermarkets which will continually set more stringent carbon reduction standards.

“Towards Net Zero Bundaberg is the pathway to which these targets can be achieved but it will not be possible without a whole-of-region approach.

“Council is committed to supporting residents, business and industry through these changes to keep pace with global change.”

How will Towards Net Zero Bundaberg be achieved?

Data shows that 65 per cent of emission reductions required for the region to reach net zero could come from renewable energy investment proposed by the private sector and this transition into the energy grid.

Enabling this renewable energy uptake into the grid will require advocacy by Council to ensure the region’s utility providers are ready and transitioning the grid to support the creation and distribution of more renewable energy within the region.

The remaining 35 per cent of potential emission reductions required to move towards a net zero Bundaberg may require upfront investment by Council, local businesses, households, and individuals.

However, the largest opportunity within this remaining 35 per cent will come from the transition to low carbon emission vehicles, such as electric vehicles (EVs).

Read more about Towards Net Zero Bundaberg on Council’s website or head to the project page.

Read the full Bundaberg Now story here.