Federal Budget 2009: green stimulus welcome
Date: 12-May-2009
The Australian Conservation Foundation has commended the Federal Government for strong funding for solar and public transport and urged it reinstate funding for environmental research.
Green economic stimulus – sustainable transport & solar power
ACF executive director
“The $1.46 billion of new money over six years for solar and $4.6 billion for urban public transport will be good for the planet, good for cities and good for jobs.
“This is a historic level of Commonwealth investment in solar energy and public transport and we warmly welcome it. The money for solar gives a good kick start to this crucial industry of the future.
“In contrast, the $2 billion of new funds over nine years for carbon capture and storage research is public money not well spent. The companies that make huge profits from mining and burning coal should fund the research into technologies that may – or may not – help reduce Australia’s carbon emissions in ten, fifteen or twenty years.
“Strong green stimulus at a time of economic downturn is crucial for creating the low-carbon economy jobs of the future.”
Reform of subsidies that drive pollution
“Unfortunately the Government has passed up yet another chance to cut the subsidies that promote pollution. The fringe benefits tax concession on company cars has been a dead weight on the economy and the environment for far too long and we urge the tax review to deal with this absurd subsidy.”
Environmental research
“The axing of