Climate Solutions Fund to support forestry jobs in SW Slopes

by | Jul 2, 2020 | Electorate | 0 comments

The Morrison Government is delivering on an election commitment to make it easier for plantation and farm forestry projects to generate carbon credits and access our $2 billion Climate Solutions Fund.

Local MP Sussan Ley said we’ve now simplified access to carbon funding for forestry projects across five plantation growth regions, including the South West Slopes which covers around 22 NSW and Victorian local government areas*.

“It is more important than ever that we focus on creating jobs and supporting regional communities.

“These changes will encourage investment in new forestry projects which means more trees in the ground and more jobs in our local economy, supporting the families and businesses which rely on forestry jobs.”

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the Government was committed to enabling the forestry sector to participate in the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF).

“Reducing red tape for projects will support regional jobs and investment, including in communities hardest hit by last summer’s bushfires.

“Since 2014, the ERF has committed $1.9 billion to projects in regional and rural areas, with more funding available through the $2 billion Climate Solutions Fund.”

All ERF projects will continue to be required to meet relevant state or territory government rules and regulations. The revised rules follow consultations with farm and plantation industries and other stakeholders, and are in line with recommendations in the Grant King Review.

More information

The Government is reducing red tape for forestry projects located in the five pilot Regional Forestry Hubs: Locations inc: South West Slopes (New South Wales and Victoria)*, South West (Western Australia), Green Triangle (South Australia), North/North West (Tasmania) and North East (New South Wales)

The Government will consider adding future forestry hubs on a case-by-case basis, subject to relevant jurisdictions having appropriate arrangements in place to manage any water impacts associated with expanded plantations.

*South West Slopes – Local Government Areas

  • Albury (C)
  • Greater Hume Shire (A)
  • Gundagai (A)
  • Snowy Monaro Regional (A)
  • Snowy Valleys (A)
  • Wagga Wagga (C)
  • Yass Valley (A)
  • Alpine (S)
  • Baw Baw (S)
  • Benalla (RC)
  • East Gippsland (S)
  • Indigo (S)
  • Mansfield (S)
  • Mitchell (S)
  • Murrindindi (S)
  • Strathbogie (S)
  • Towong (S)
  • Wangaratta (RC)
  • Wellington (S)
  • Wodonga (C)
  • Yarra Ranges (S)
  • Unincorporated Vic