THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
Cabinet Secretary
Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
Parliamentary Secretary for Industry and Innovation
JOHN MURPHY MP
Federal Member for Reid
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
Clean Energy Future Opportunities for Local Government
Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Mark Dreyfus, and Federal Member for Reid, John Murphy, today met with the Canada Bay Council in Sydney's inner west to discuss economic opportunities for local government generated by the carbon price and a shift to more efficient use of energy.
"The City of Canada Bay is recognised as one of Australia's leading councils in its approach to sustainability.
"Like a number of councils around Sydney and regional NSW, Canada Bay has already undertaken a variety of measures to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon pollution and educate the local community and businesses about climate change. The introduction of a carbon price will help support these efforts through a range of programs," Mr Dreyfus said.
Mr Dreyfus also met with representatives from other municipalities including Auburn City Council and Burwood Council to discuss funding opportunities within the Clean Energy Future package.
"The Low Carbon Communities program, for example, provides $200 million to support local councils in upgrading energy efficiency in council buildings, community facilities and outdoor lighting.
"These energy efficiency measures can cut a substantial amount from councils' electricity bills. The money saved can be re-invested in the community or returned to ratepayers," Mr Dreyfus said.
"Councils can also participate in the Gillard Government's Carbon Farming Initiative, which offers landfill operators the chance to earn and sell carbon credits by capturing greenhouse gas emissions from local tips and waste facilities. This has the potential to generate substantial extra income that can be returned to the local economy."
Mr Dreyfus' visit coincided with a Gillard Government Community Cabinet meeting convened in Parramatta today.
WEDNESDAY, 4 APRIL 2012
