The Albanese Labor Government is committed to driving down emissions and taking action on climate change, while also leaving nature better off for future generations.
All projects on the Burrup Hub are subject to rigorous environmental approval processes. The approval of any project under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) follows a rigorous assessment of the potential impacts of the project on matters of national environmental significance. All proposals are assessed on a case-by-case basis, subject to scientific assessment and the law.
The Government is aware that traditional owners in the Pilbara region have raised concerns that activity on the Burrup Hub could damage important and unique rock art. In response to these concerns, the Government has appointed an independent consultant to assess if the rock art is at risk, and whether a ministerial declaration is required to protect it. A new rock art monitoring program has been initiated, with Traditional Owners trained to undertake the scientific monitoring.
One of the first acts of the Albanese Labor Government was to legislate emissions reduction targets of 43% by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050. Recently, the Government legislated the reformed Safeguard Mechanism. This legislation is the first constraint on emissions for Australia’s 215 biggest polluting facilities after a decade of inaction and mismanagement by the previous government.
The Safeguard Mechanism will deliver over 200 million tonnes of emissions reduction by 2030, which is equivalent to taking two-thirds of Australia’s cars off the road. It will also cover all of Australia’s LNG export facilities, including those located within the Burrup Hub, such as the current Pluto project. All covered facilities are legally required to reduced their net direct emissions each year and achieve net zero by 2050.
Our Government is also bringing to life it’s Nature Positive Plan. We’re rewriting our environmental laws to better protect our environment and make clearer, faster decisions. At the centre of this, is $121 million in the recent Budget to establish Environment Protection Australia, to help restore trust to a system that badly needs it. Our Government has also doubled the amount of approved renewable energy projects, with a record number of renewable projects in the pipeline.
The global energy crisis driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has underscored the need to develop our energy resources, as well as helping to deliver cheaper, cleaner and greener energy and infrastructure for Australian households.
Our Government will continue to support new projects where they stack up economically and environmentally, while at the same time significantly reducing emissions across our economy.
