May 10: Following the release of the 2011 Federal Budget, industry experts share their instant views on what implications the budget will have on the enviroment and renewable energy sector:
PROFESSOR MICHAEL DIRKIS, UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
“We are certainly seeing the money come in for things like biosecurity systems and green pathways for native animals, which is all very positive, as is the drought proofing and the start of the sustainable cities regime. They are all good starting points.”
“It is disappointing to see some initiatives removed, such as the solar schools and the deferral of the green buildings initiative. They realise that they can’t do everything.”
“Like everyone, I’m disappointed – but it’s not unexpected – that we have nothing on the carbon price process …”
“You expect to see a wide spread of different initiatives across a broad range of solutions, and at this stage they are holding off making any major announcements until they get the carbon price sorted.”
Meanwhile, stay in the loop with our pre-budget updates on Environment & Renewable Energy:
April 2: Treasurer Wayne Swan doorstop interview in Brisbane:
JOURNALIST: So the carbon price details – will that come on Budget day or...
TREASURER SWAN: No, it will be coming after the Budget. We’ve made that very clear from day one. What we have said is that we will consult widely. We are consulting with the business community. The business community needs certainty to invest. We need investment in future power generation. We need investment to drive renewable energy. We’ve just been over there looking at the solar panels on the boat. We need to, as a country, ensure there is investment in renewable energy so we can deal with dangerous climate change. That's what an emissions trading scheme is all about. It’s a responsible move to reduce pollution in our atmosphere so we can secure the future of our environment and our economy.
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