Illawarra residents will head to the polls in a little over five weeks to decide who will represent them in federal parliament.
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Ahead of the federal election on May 21, the Mercury is asking candidates in the Whitlam electorate questions on the issues that readers have identified as the most important to them.
One of these issues is climate change.
The questions the Mercury put to the candidates were:
- How is climate change impacting the Illawarra? How will you address the impact if you are elected?
- What are your views on the role Port Kembla plays in the environment?
- What role do you see fossil fuels playing in the Illawarra's future?
You can read the candidates' responses below.
Climate change is an issue facing communities around the world. On my own farm, we have 100 solar panels and 60kwh of battery storage producing more energy than we use. This shapes my beliefs that our journey to net zero by 2050 is propelled by technology not taxes.
More than one in four Australian homes have rooftop solar - the highest rate in the world. Since 2005, Australia has reduced emissions faster than any other major commodity exporting country in the world. We can be proud of that.
The Commonwealth has already invested more than $1.5 billion in building Australia's clean hydrogen industry, and has committed more than $22 billion for low emissions technologies this decade.
The Illawarra's skilled workforce and energy infrastructure is well positioned to capitalise on hydrogen and clean manufacturing, like green steel.
The world is changing fast and technological is driving this change. The modelling shows that a clear focus on driving down technology costs will enable Australia to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 without putting industries, regions or jobs at risk.
But technology needs time to mature, and until then, the coal produced in the region that is used for steel making will continue to play an important role in the economic prosperity of the region.
The Illawarra is home to a diverse range of industries, from professional services to manufacturing all serving as key economic drivers. The Federal Government is also embarking on the biggest rebuilding of defence and security since World War 2 and I want the Illawarra to be part of that story.
If elected, I will continue to support the Coalition's 2050 strategy, and focus on the technology, jobs and infrastructure that our growing region needs for the future.
The Illawarra is at a very significant cross-roads when it comes to the impacts of climate change. At present only small areas and a limited number of people in the Illawarra are being directly affected by events such flooding, storm damage, and fires. In supporting their recovery, the Greens will use the opportunity to learn how to respond, and to implement federal emergency response mitigation strategies.
Locally, our transport strategy will see a far greater use of electrified rail, in order to bring heavy vehicles off our roads. This would mean that our current roads are not constantly weakened by industrial traffic, and less prone to damage during extreme weather events in the future, and leave both commuters and commercial traffic less vulnerable to closures such as the current situation with Macquarie Pass at Bulli Pass.
The opportunity for Port Kembla to become an integral part of the renewable economy is knocking on our door. The federal government needs to recognise the potential for the available industrial land to be purposed for a green hydrogen hub, and the Greens will continue to advocate for that in terms of potential export economy, as well as a vital boost to cost saving in manufacturing, and the associated benefits to secure and sustainable employment for the entire region, including but certainly further reaching than the people of Whitlam.
While the Illawarra has certainly had a strong history in carbon heavy industries, all the technology and economic opportunities for a carbon free economy are now available to us. The Greens have a transition plan to support not only the workers in carbon industries, but the communities around them as well. We guarantee that no coal workers in the Illawarra will be disadvantaged in the transition, and by advocating for the Illawarra to be a centre of renewable energy, Whitlam will see a significant number of the estimated 37,000 jobs in renewable energy infrastructure stay here, and keep our region vibrant and prosperous.
Climate change is happening. We've had bushfires, floods, and record hot temperatures. It's a risk to our health, our homes and livelihoods. We need to make the transition to clean, efficient energy if we want to maintain our way of life, rebuilding our national electricity grid to manage the new renewable energy coming online. We will develop hydrogen and other fuels for transport and heavy industries like our steel works. Labor is committed to a plan that not only addresses climate change through strong carbon reduction targets but lowers power prices by upgrading and modernising our grid. That's great news for households and also for businesses and job creation. Port Kembla will play a central role in Labor's vision of industrial renewal, for steel, hydrogen and other materials. Our Future Made in Australia policy will bring more manufacturing back to our region.
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