Bendigo groups welcome government's renewable energy target boost

THE Bendigo Sustainability Group has welcomed the Victorian Government's new Renewable Energy Target.

The state government on Wednesday committed to a new Renewable Energy Target of 50 per cent by 2030, which builds on existing targets of 25 per cent by 2020 and 40 per cent by 2025.

"We're always happy with those targets," Sustainability Group president Trevor Smith said. "Following targets that are strongly recognised is always a good thing.

"But even 100 per cent renewables is not adequate because we want to bring down the damage that has already been done to the planet.

Read more: Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance prepares renewable energy strategy for Loddon Mallee

"It's not far enough, but we can only do what the economy can bare."

Mr Smith said the state government was already expected to meet the 50 per cent target.

"There's a lot of information out that there that the projects they've planned will deliver the target anyway if they're successful," Mr Smith said.

"A lot of it is about the government ensuring the economy stands up straight and delivers those planned projects."

It comes as the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance hosts the Loddon Mallee Renewable Energy Roadmap forum in Bendigo on Thursday.

The conference is designed to inform decision making in the region.

Mr Smith said a lot of good work was already being done in central Victoria.

"A lot of companies are getting on board in the area," Mr Smith said. "The council is certainly doing the right thing as well.

"But we need individuals to take action. People need to get on board with e-waste, recycling, putting in more solar, and starting to invest in batteries.

"One person can make a difference is what we're pushing for."

Earlier

VICTORIAN Parliament has created a new Renewable Energy Target of 50 per cent by 2030.

The legislation, passed today, builds on existing targets of 25 per cent by 2020 and 40 per cent by 2025.

About 21 per cent of Victoria's electricity generation came from renewable sources in 2018-19, a progress report stated.

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The share of electricity generation from renewable sources in 2017-18 was 18.3 per cent.

Energy, environment and climate change minister, Lily D'Ambrosio said the increased target sent a clear signal to industry to keep investing in renewables and creating jobs, "particularly in regional Victoria".

"Victorians voted overwhelmingly in support of increasing our renewable energy target - today we've delivered on our promise," Ms D'Ambrosio said.

The government expects boosting Victoria's Renewable Energy Target to create about 24,000 jobs by 2030.

It also expects the target to generate an additional $5.8 billion in economic activity.

More to come.

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