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University supports climate change response plan

24 September 2008

coal station
Gippsland is a major supplier of coal-fired power to Victoria.

Monash University has thrown its support behind the Federal Government's discussion paper on climate change, which proposes bold measures to reduce the nation's carbon emissions, including the introduction of a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.

In a submission to the paper the University makes a number of recommendations to support the introduction of the proposed new policy including the need for education projects in the area of behaviour change, research and development into clean emissions technology, and scholarships to encourage students into the energy sciences.

However, the submission also highlights a need to focus on those regions that will be affected economically by the transition to a low carbon future, including Gippsland, which is a major supplier of coal-fired power to Victoria.

As part of the response, Monash conducted a telephone survey of 300 households and 200 local businesses to ascertain the level of community understanding of the scheme (CPRS). The survey revealed a perception that the CPRS would adversely affect the local community and economy through job losses, additional costs on households and businesses and increases in living expenses.

In response the submission states: "It is important for the Government to acknowledge that despite their high emissions profile, fossil fuels, including brown coal, will continue to be a critically important source of energy production for Australia. Australia must undertake, in an accelerated manner, research and development to enable these fuels to be used in the most environmentally responsible manner possible.

"It is (also) recommended, as part of the liaison with State and Local Government, that strategies be considered to assist regional development as a consequence of emission reduction."

In a separate submission to the discussion paper, Monash academics Associate Professor Ken Coghill and Professor Amanda Lynch call on the Federal Government to provide intensive assistance to communities highly financially dependent on coal mining, such as those in the Latrobe Valley, Hunter Valley and Bowen Basin.

"These communities need special assistance because they face economic hardship as a result of carbon pollution reduction measures," Associate Professor Coghill said.

"The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme needs to support these vulnerable communities in the transition to an economic environment where there are large reductions in demand for coal and coal-fired electricity generators as a consequence of carbon pollution reduction.

"This support should include funding to develop alternative industries and enterprises in the affected regions and to re-train and upskill workers to increase their job choices."

For more information see Monash University's submission (pdf, 274kb) or contact Associate Professor Harry Ballis on +61 3 990 26211.

For more information on Associate Professor Coghill and Professor Lynch's submission please see Monash news line.