West Australian faith-based and community groups and organisations, including the Uniting Church WA, have signed the joint RenewWA statement, calling on the State Government for reliable jobs, renewable energy and a safe future for all.
Launched at Cottesloe beach this morning, the statement reads:
“With rich renewable energy resources, abundant supplies of battery metals and potential to generate renewable-derived Hydrogen for export, WA has a bright future ahead if the benefits of a clean energy economy are supported by strong government action on climate change.
“This is our opportunity to transition to a renewable energy economy with reliable, quality jobs for Western Australian workers and maintain a safe climate for all.
“Despite these opportunities, WA remains one of only two states in Australia with no renewable energy target, and the only state with significant growth in carbon pollution. The failure to control pollution from the WA Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) industry is responsible for Australia’s national emissions growth and is putting Australia’s commitments under the Paris Agreement on climate change at risk.
“It is clear that the Australian Government is not providing effective or comprehensive climate change policy solutions at a national level and WA is missing out on the renewables boom while its LNG resources continue to be extracted with minimal benefit back to the community.
“RenewWA organisations believe it is essential that the State Government lead action to control WA’s rising carbon pollution through a whole of government, whole of economy and whole of community approach.
“The members of RenewWA call for immediate action on climate change by the State Government for the sake of workers, communities and future generations.”
The statement calls for this action to include: a just transition for workers employed in the industry; immediate reduction of carbon pollution; science-based targets for WA; controls in LNG pollution; a just transition away from gas extraction; protection and increase in natural carbon stores; and support for vulnerable households and communities.
Image L-R: Vice President Zouber Sayed from the Islamic Council of WA, Moderator of the Uniting Church WA Rev Steve Francis, CEO of the WA Council for Social Service (WACOSS) Louise Giolitto, Dr Richard Yin from the Doctors for the Environment and Steve MCartney President of Unions WA presented at today’s launch.
DOWNLOAD
- Media Release: RenewWA Launch (pdf, 527kb)
- Statement with list of signatories: A Joint Call for Climate Action in WA (pdf, 1MB)