NSW to cut state's emissions in half by 2030

The New South Wales Government has announced today it plans to slash the state’s emissions in half by 2030.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said NSW will cut emissions by 50 per cent below 2005 levels over the next nine years – increasing from its previous goal of 35 per cent – showing the state is serious about setting itself up for the future, while helping the world decarbonise.

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“Our Net Zero Plan is expected to attract more than $37 billion in private sector investment into NSW, support more than 9000 jobs, save households about $130 on their electricity bills and help NSW become Australia’s first trillion-dollar state by 2030,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“This is about putting the policies in place to give industry and investors certainty, not only to protect our planet but to future-proof our prosperity and way of life.”

Chief Executive of the Electric Vehicle Council of Australia Behyad Jafari said he believes NSW is setting an example for the nation.

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“New South Wales became home to the best electric vehicle policy in Australia this year, which is helping companies bring more affordable and exciting vehicles to the state, construct more charging stations, and support manufacturing jobs by building vehicles like buses locally,” Mr Jafari said.

“Today’s new commitment demonstrates the EV policy sits within a broader vision and that will only amplify the benefits.

“New South Wales has set a great example for the federal government to follow. We need this kind of ambition across Australia, but it’s a great thing that New South Wales isn’t waiting.”

Today’s update to NSW’s Net Zero Plan: Stage 1 Implementation sets out the State Government’s approach to climate change – including its EV strategy, electricity infrastructure roadmap, the $750 million Net Zero Industry and Innovation Program and the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy.

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In June the NSW Government introduced Australia’s most ambitious electric vehicle plan, announcing it will waive stamp duty on many EVs, offer a $3000 rebate on some, and deliver $171 million in charging infrastructure across the state.

Announced as part of the next NSW state budget, the plan amounts to a $490 million investment – nearly five times the size of that revealed by Victoria’s Andrews Government in May.

However the State’s policy also includes applying a road-user charge to owners of full-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle vehicles, which will come into effect in 2027 or when uptake reaches 30 per cent – whichever comes first.

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