Climate Change

In reply to the Hon. M.C. PARNELL (23 September 2014). (First Session)

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Climate Change): As the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, I have received this advice:

1. Both the investment target of $10 billion in low carbon generation by 2025 and the new 50 per cent target for electricity production from renewable energy sources by 2025 assume capital expenditure by private companies. The private sector is responsive to policy frameworks such as the Commonwealth Government's Renewable Energy Target scheme and the State Government's legislative changes allowing renewable energy development on pastoral lands.

2. Achieving the 50 per cent target for electricity production from renewable energy sources by 2025 is dependent on the Commonwealth Government retaining the Renewable Energy Target scheme. As such, the 50 per cent target has status as a stated target guiding State Government policy rather than a formal target under the Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007.