Investing in low emissions technologies to strengthen our economy and support jobs and businesses is a Morrison Government priority as we navigate the road to recovery from COVID-19.

The government has released the Technology Investment Roadmap discussion paper to bring a strategic and system-wide view on future investments in low emissions technologies.

With an opportunity to develop new industries and jobs, investing in new and emerging low-emission technologies is a win for the economy and a win for the environment.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the Technology Investment Roadmap was the next step in the Morrison Government’s technology not taxes approach to reducing emissions.

“We are focused on putting Australia at the forefront of research and development and maintaining our strong track record of reducing global emissions,” Mr Vasta said.

“Emissions are lower today than when we were elected in 2013 and deploying the right technology when and where it is needed will allow Australia to capture new opportunities to reduce emissions even further.

“Real action on technology, not taxes, is the pathway to further remissions reduction here and around the world.”

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said there was enormous potential in technologies like hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, soil carbon sequestration, biofuels, resources and energy exports to reduce emissions while strengthening our economy.

“This is about developing technologies to support jobs growth and this is also about ensuring mums and dads and small businesses are paying a fair cost for energy, and not imposing taxes on them,” Minister Taylor said.

“At its core, this is about technology not taxes.

“It means reducing emissions, not reducing jobs and the economy and it is an approach based on rigour, confidence, optimism, and Australian ingenuity not ideology.

“The alternative is to sign up to long term targets without a clear plan, an approach that will penalise energy-intensive industries and reduce economic activity.”

The Roadmap goals will be developed in consultation with industry, researchers and the financial sector, with progress reported through an annual Low Emissions Technology Statement.

The Roadmap will be a cornerstone of Australia’s Long Term Emissions Reduction Strategy, to be released ahead of COP26.

The Government has already made substantial investments in clean energy technology, with more than $10 billion invested in more than 670 clean energy projects with a total project value in excess of $35 billion.

To contribute to this important national conversation or learn more about the Roadmap process, visit https://consult.industry.gov.au/climate-change/technology-investment-roadmap/.

Written submissions are open until Sunday 21 June 2020.

Brisbane City Council will be supported as part of the Morrison Government’s $1.8 billion boost for road and community projects to local governments across Australia.

The investment will support local jobs and businesses and boost local economies struggling under the effects of COVID-19.

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta MP said the package included the establishment of a new $500 million Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program and brought forward $1.3 billion of the 2020-21 Financial Assistance Grant payment.

Under the Financial Assistance Grant program Brisbane City Council, the local government body in Bonner, will receive $11,710,003.

Mr Vasta said accelerating local infrastructure projects was important for supporting jobs and the local economy in Bonner.

“Every single job we support now makes a huge difference to our local community as we navigate out of the coronavirus pandemic,” Mr Vasta said.

“Not only will this package support local jobs and industries in construction and surveyancing, it will also improve our local roads and deliver much needed community projects.

“I will be working closely with Brisbane City Council to make sure projects get underway to support jobs and businesses as soon as possible.”

The new program is based on the successful Roads to Recovery program and will enable local councils to deliver priority projects with a focus on upgrades and maintenance to local roads and community infrastructure.

As well as delivering new bridges, roads, street lighting and rest areas, a broad range of community infrastructure projects will be eligible including new or upgraded bicycle and walking paths, community facilities, picnic shelters and barbeque facilities at parks.

For more information visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/lrci