FAQs

According to the United Nations, “net zero means cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible, with any remaining emissions re-absorbed from the atmosphere”. 

The transition to net zero is a significant global challenge.

The cost of inaction is greater than the cost of taking action. 

As more than one-third of the world’s largest companies set net-zero targets alongside global, national and state commitments, Bundaberg Regional Council is committed to supporting residents, business and industry through these changes to keep pace with global change. 

According to Deloitte Access Economics (A new choice: Australia’s climate for growth, 2020), failure to address climate change is predicted to cost the Australian economy more than $3.4 trillion by 2070. 

Local action is an important factor in insulating residents and businesses from this threat. Proactive action now will help to deliver economic and social benefits as part of a long-term transition toward a cleaner and environmentally conscious future.

Towards Net Zero Bundaberg is the road map guiding our region to play its part in achieving net zero. 

It focusses on five themes that will help move the Bundaberg Region to a more sustainable and resilient future:

• Circular economy
• Social responsibility
• Energy
• Transport
• Built environment

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 our 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).

Council’s main role in Towards Net Zero Bundaberg is advocacy. 

All infrastructure investment in carbon reduction projects will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 

As with all Council decisions, value for money and community, and environmental  impacts would be taken into consideration. 

A recent example of this is the proposal to introduce a Food Organic and Garden Organic collection service which, over the next 10 years alone, would save millions of dollars in increasing State Government Waste Levy fees.