MINISTER FOR CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY€¦ · Output Class 3: Loose-fill Asbestos Insulation Eradication (Minister Gentleman) Output Class 3: Climate Change and Sustainability

ENVIRONMENT, PLANNING AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORATE

MINISTER FOR CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY

ESTIMATES 2018-2019 BRIEFS 28 June 2018

INDEX

2

23. Rooftop solar PV performance and safety

24. Electricity and gas prices

25. CSIRO Canberra Urban Heat report and Living Infrastructure Information Paper

26. Net zero emissions economic modelling

27. Solar for Low Income Program

28. Community Zero Emissions Grants Program

29. EEIS Programs and Services supporting the ACT community

30. ACTSmart - Sustainability Programs

31. Renewable energy programs

• Progress to 100 per cent renewable electricity

• Large Scale Generation Certificates

• Next Generation Energy Storage program

• Industry development/Renewable Energy Innovation Fund

• Community solar

32. What is Power of Choice

33. Providing choice in gas network provision (includes Ginninderry)

BUDGET ESTIMATES BRIEF

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Portfolio: Climate Change & Sustainability

Budget Statement E Page 15 and 22

ISSUE: Output 3 – Climate Change and Sustainability

Talking points:

• 2017-18 funding for development of the strategy totalled $322,000

• Funding included 1.5 FTEs to assist with community consultation, projectmanagement and policy development

• FTE funding was for $174,000 for 2017-18.

• Major funding was also secured for economic modelling at $120,000which covered the consultancy fees to produce an economic modellingreport for cost of abatement. This report was delivered in March 2018.

• Fund of $28,000 were allocated to community engagement andawareness raising.

Key Information

• Development of the climate strategy commenced with a Discussion Paper released inDemember 2017, followed by 4 months of community consultation.

• Community consultation concluded April 9, with $10,000 spent in engagementactivities and supporting materials.

• Economic modelling was contracted in November 2017 and completed in March2018.

• Coordination and participation of community engagement, along with managing andworking with the economic modellers utilised all of the FTE allocation.

2017-18 Targets

2017-18 Estimated Outcome

2018-19 Targets

a. Oversee the actions of the ACT ClimateChange Strategy and Action Plan – AP2:- publish an annual inventory1 Dec 2017 Nov 2017 n/a - publish an annual report on emissionstargets1

Dec 2017 Nov 2017 n/a

b. Increase in the number of businesses oroffices assisted to improve energy andwater efficiency, reduce waste and increaserecycling2

10% 7% n/a

c. Estimated total electricity saved fromCarbon Neutral Government Fund projects

10,000MWh 9,724MWh 10,000MWh

d. Number of households assisted by theHousehold Low Income Program

1,000 1,200 1,200

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2017-18 Targets


2018-19 Targets

e. Number of businesses supported by energy,water and waste programs3

n/a n/a 750

f. Oversee the actions of the ACT’s ClimateStrategy to a Net Zero Emissions Territory:- publish an annual greenhouse gasinventory for the ACT4

- publish an annual report on actions toachieve the ACT Government’s target of netzero carbon emissions in the ACT by 2045and in Government operations by 20204

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Dec 2018

Dec 2018

Note(s): 1. Indicator discontinued and replaced with indicator 3.1(f).2. Indicator discontinued and replaced with indicator 3.1(e).3. New indicator which replaces 3.1(b).4. New indicator which replaces 3.1(a). The indicator was changed to reflect new program names.

Background Information – may not be suitable for public disclosure

• The Budget initiative states: The Government will identify and analyse policy actions to helpachieve its net zero emissions target by 2050. The Government will also undertakecommunity consultation, economic modelling and regulatory impact statements of thepolicy actions identified in the first stage of the program.

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Cleared as complete and accurate: 18/01/2018 Cleared by: Gary Spencer Director Ext:x76339 Contact Officer Name:Gary Spencer Finance Ext:x76339

Portfolio Climate Change & Sustainability

Budget Statement E Page 12-18

ISSUE: Output Class Changes in 18-19

EPSDD2017-18 Output Class Split 2018-19 Output Class Split NotesOutput Class 1: Planning (Minister Gentleman)

Output Class 1: Planning (Minister Gentleman)

Output 1.1: Planning Delivery Output 1.1: Planning Delivery Building Policy Transferred to Planning Policy from Planning Delivery

Output 1.2: Planning Policy Output 1.2: Planning and Building Policy

Building Policy Transferred to Planning Policy from Planning Delivery

Output 1.3: Heritage Transferred to Output Class 2 as Output 2.3: HeritageOutput Class 2: Environment (Minister Gentleman)

Output Class 2: Environment (Minister Gentleman)

Output 2.1: Environment Output 2.1: Environment Output 2.2: Climate Change and Sustainability

Transferred to Output Class 3, Output 3.1 Climate Change and Sustainability from Output Class 2, Output 2.2.

Output 2.3: Conservation and Land Management


Renumbered from Output 2.3 to 2.2 due to Climate Change and Sustainability moving to Output Class 3

Output 2.3: Heritage Transferred from Output Class 1, Output 1.3: HeritageOutput Class 3: Loose-fill Asbestos Insulation Eradication(Minister Gentleman)

Output Class 3: Climate Change and Sustainability (Minister Rattenbury)

Output Class 3 renamed from Loose-Fill Asbestos Insulation Eradication to Climate Change and Sustainability. Output Class 5 established for Loose-Fill Asbestos Insulation Eradication.

Output Class 3.1: Loose-fill Asbestos Insulation Eradication Scheme (Minister Gentleman)

Output 3.1: Climate Change and Sustainability

Transferred to Output 3.1 from Output 2.2.

Output Class 4: Land Policy and Renewal(Minister Gentleman)

Output Class 4: Land Strategy and Urban Renewal(Minister Gentleman)

Name Change

Output 4.1: Land Policy Output 4.1: Land Strategy Name ChangeOutput 4.2: Urban Renewal Output 4.2: Urban Renewal PHRT moved to Output Class 6, Output 6.1 Public

Housing Renewal TaskforceOutput Class 5: Loose-fill Asbestos Insulation Eradication (Minister Gentleman)

Output Class 5 established for Loose-Fill Asbestos Insulation Eradication, moved from Output Class 3.

Output 5.1: Loose-fill Asbestos Insulation Eradication

Output 5.1 established for Loose-Fill Asbestos Insulation Eradication, moved from Output 3.1.

Output Class 6: Public Housing Renewal Taskforce (Minister Berry)

PHRT moved to Output Class 6, Output 6.1 Public Housing Renewal Taskforce

Output 6.1: Public Housing Renewal Taskforce

PHRT moved to Output Class 6, Output 6.1 Public Housing Renewal Taskforce

Output Class EBT: Office of the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment(Minister Rattenbury)

Output Class EBT: Office of the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment(Minister Rattenbury)

Output EBT1: Office of the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment

Output EBT1: Office of the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment

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Budget Statement E Page 18-25

ISSUE: Accountability Indicator Changes in 18-19

Accountability Indicator – New and Discontinued

The new indicators for 2018-19 have been highlighted in green.

The indicators that have been discontinued have been highlighted in red.

The indicators that have targets changed in 2018-19 from 2017-18 have been highlighted orange.

Output 1.1: Planning Delivery

2017-18 Targets


2018-19 Targets

Development application processing times: - average processing times in working days 45 56 45 - median processing times in working days 30 42 30

Percentage of development application decisions made within statutory deadlines

75% 68% 75%

Percentage of development applications appeals resolved by mediation in relation to development proposals

35% 68% 35%

Percentage of ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) decisions which uphold the Directorate’s original decision

85% 85% 85%

Output 1.2: Planning and Building Policy

2017-18 Targets


2018-19 Targets

a. Number of Environment and Planning Forumsheld during the year to assist in communityconsultations

6 7 6

b. Prepare policy advice to inform Executiveconsideration of the requirement to reviewthe ACT Planning Strategy in 20171

1 1 n/a

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2017-18 Targets


2018-19 Targets

Report on the status of actions in the Minister for Planning and Land Management’s Statement of Planning Intent1

4 4 n/a

Continue to engage community and stakeholders in the preparation of city-wide urban land and transport policies, strategies and plans1

6 12 n/a

Completion and publication of master plans2 n/a n/a 2 Undertake the ACT Planning Strategy Refresh3 n/a n/a 1 Number of Improving the ACT Building Regulatory

System reforms completed in year4 n/a n/a 15

Notes: 1. Indicators discontinued. 2. New indicator. The Kippax and Curtin master plans are to be completed in 2018-19. 3. New indicator. This indicator will be considered complete when the ACT Planning Strategy Refresh is published on the

Directorate’s website. 4. New indicator. A reform will be considered complete when the Minister reports it’s complete status to the Legislative

Assembly and a complete status is recorded in a project status update published on the Directorate’s website.

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Output 2.1: Environment

2017-18 Targets


2018-19 Targets

a. Submit twice yearly progress reports to the Commonwealth for the National Landcare Program

2 2 1

b. Prepare and submit National Environment Protection Measure jurisdictional reports to the National Environment Protection Council within agreed timeframe

Sep 2017 Oct 2017 Sep 2018

c. Response from the Conservator of Flora and Fauna on development applications issued within statutory timeframes1

90% 95% n/a

d. Prepare a public report on the implementation of the ACT Water Strategy

Dec 2017 Jun 2018 Jun 2019

e. Submit ACT Healthy Waterways project milestone reports to the Commonwealth in accordance with the Commonwealth agreement

2 2 4

f. Implementation report on the 2015-17 Biodiversity Research and Monitoring Program finalised by December 20172

100% 100% n/a

g. The conservator of Flora and Fauna to finalise Action Plans for matters listed under the Nature Conservation Act 2014, within six months following public consultation

100% 11%3 100%

h. Implementation report on the Nature Conservation Strategy 2013-23 to be publicly released by March 20194

n/a

n/a Mar 2019

i. Prepare a public report annually on the Conservators actions to protect ACT flora and fauna4

n/a n/a 1

Notes: 1. Indicator discontinued as the response times are dependant on information provided by external parties. 2. Indicator discontinued as the report was completed in 2017-18. 3. The Grasslands Strategy, which consisted of 8 Action Plans, was completed within 7 months. The Action Plans took

longer than anticipated as they required extra time to adequately respond to public consultation before being finalised.

4. New indicators.

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2017-18 Targets


2018-19 Targets

a. Customer satisfaction with the Management of protected areas (Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Namadgi National Park and Canberra Nature Park)

90% 90% 90%

b. Implement fuel management activities – grazing – as identified under the approved Bushfire Operational Plan (BOP)

100% 100% 100%

c. Implement fuel management activities – physical removal – as identified under the approved Bushfire Operational Plan (BOP)

100% 100% 100%

d. Implement fuel management activities – slashing – as identified under the approved Bushfire Operational Plan (BOP)

100% 100% 100%

e. Implement fuel management activities – burning – as identified under the approved Bushfire Operational Plan (BOP)

100% 100% 100%

f. Implement access activities – as identified under the approved Bushfire Operational Plan (BOP)

100% 100% 100%

Output 2.3: Heritage

2017-18 Targets


2018-19 Targets

a. Notification on the legislation register of Heritage Council decisions within five working days of the decision

100% 100% 100%

b. Development application advice issued within 15 working days of referral by the ACT Land and Planning Authority

95% 88% 90%

c. Decisions about heritage registrations by the ACT Heritage Council made within statutory timeframes1

100% 100% 100%

Notes: This indicator relates to the timeframe imposed on the ACT Heritage Council to make a decision on final registrations under

the Heritage Act 2004.

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Output 3.1: Climate Change

2017-18 Targets


2018-19 Targets

a. Oversee the actions of the ACT Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan – AP2:

- publish an annual inventory Dec 2017 Nov 2017 n/a - publish an annual report on emissions targets1

Dec 2017 Nov 2017 n/a

b. Increase in the number of businesses or offices assisted to improve energy and water efficiency, reduce waste and increase recycling2

10% 7% n/a

c. Estimated total electricity saved from Carbon Neutral Government Fund projects3

10,000MWh 9,724MWh n/a

d. Number of households assisted by the Household Low Income Program

1,000 1,200 1,200

e. Number of businesses supported by energy, water and waste programs

n/a n/a 750

f. Oversee the actions of the ACT’s Climate Strategy to a Net Zero Emissions Territory: - publish an annual greenhouse gas inventory for the ACT; and - publish an annual report on actions to achieve the ACT Government’s target of net zero carbon emissions in the ACT by 2050, at the latest and in government operations by 2020.

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Dec 2018

Dec 2018

Notes: 1. Indicator discontinued and replaced with indicator 3.1(f). 2. Indicator discontinued and replaced with indicator 3.1(e). 3. Indicator discontinued as savings are dependent on a number of external factors (for example weather) that is outside

of the control of the Directorate. 4. New indicator which replaces 3.1(b). 5. New indicator which replaces 3.1(a). The indicator was changed to reflect new program names.

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Output 4.1: Land Strategy

2017-18 Targets


2018-19 Targets

a. 4 year Indicative Land Release Program published1

1 1 1

b. Publish the annual affordable, community and public housing targets.

n/a n/a 1

Notes: 1. This accountability indicator covers publication of the 2018-19 to 2021-22 Indicative Land Release Program. 2. New indicator. This indicator will be considered complete when the targets are notified on the ACT Legislation

website.

Output 4.2: Urban Renewal

2017-18 Targets


2018-19 Targets

a. Asset Recycling Initiative1 100% n/a b. Asset Recycling Initiative – number of

settlements to be finalised of the eight remaining sites by 2018-19 to enable claim of the 15% Commonwealth Bonus

n/a n/a 100%

Notes: 6. Indicator discontinued and replaced with indicator 4.2(b) as this measured the percentage of ARI sites for which sales

strategies have been established and endorsed, which is now completed. 7. New indicator which replaces 4.2(a).

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Output 5.1: Loose-fill Asbestos Insulation Eradication Scheme

2017-18 Targets


2018-19 Targets

Community Engagement and Advice: a. Undertake a program to provide advice and

support to residents of properties affected by loose-fill asbestos insulation1

1 1 n/a

b. Conduct and/or attend Community Forums/Meetings on loose-fill asbestos insulation (e.g. health, management, demolition and personal support)1

3 3 n/a

c. Undertake an awareness program to inform the broader community about the demolition and sales activities of the Scheme1

1 1 n/a

Buy-Back and Demolition Program: d. Continue to facilitate settlement of the

surrender of properties under the Buyback program2

1 1 n/a

e. Purchase affected dwellings3 n/a n/a 1 f. Demolish affected dwellings 222 187 21 g. Deregister affected properties post

demolition and soil validation 178 255 27

Sales Program: h. Sale of remediated and deregistered blocks 395 395 221

Notes: 1. Indicators discontinued as the Scheme has moved into the final phase of operations. 2. Indicator discontinued and replaced with indicator 5.1(e). 3. New indicator which replaces indicator 5.1(d).

Output 6.1: Public Housing Renewal Taskforce

2017-18 Targets


2018-19 Targets

a. Public Housing Renewal Program Contracts1 320 414 78 b. Public Housing Renewal Program Delivery2 260 314 464

Notes: 1. This accountability indicator covers the delivery of the ACT Government’s Public Housing Renewal Program and

measures the number of replacement dwellings covered by new contracts in the target year. This includes dwellings covered by purchasing contracts and dwellings covered by construction contracts.

This indicator covers the delivery of the ACT Government’s Public Housing Renewal Program and measures the number of replacement dwellings completed and transferred to Housing ACT in the target year.

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Output EBT 1: Office of the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment

c. 2017-18 d. Targets

2017-18 e. Estimated

Outcome

2018-19 f. Targets

g. Report on the uptake of recommendations on the ACT State of the Environment and special reports as part of the annual report

Oct 2017 Oct 2017 Oct 2018

h. Undertake Ministerial initiated investigations in accordance with the Minister’s direction

100% 100% 100%

i. Undertake Commissioner initiated investigations in accordance with the Terms of Reference

100% 100% 100%

j. Undertake complaints generated investigations in accordance with the Terms of Reference

100% 100% 100%

k. Report on the complaints about the management of the environment by the Territory or a Territory agency as part of the annual report

Oct 2017 Oct 2017 Oct 2018

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Budget Statement E Page 26

ISSUE: EPSDD Budget Rollovers

Talking points:

• There were 5 initiatives that had funding rolled from 2017-18 into theforward financial years.

Key Information

• The reasons for each revised funding profile (rollover) is as follows:

Controlled

Initiative name Amount ($,000) Reason

Revised Funding Profile – Better services in your community – Community participation in net zero emissions

9 The unallocated $9,000 is due to the variation in grant amounts requested in 2017-18 which is not sufficient for an additional grant application. Forwarding the unallocated funding of $9,000 to the next financial year will provide an opportunity to fund an additional grant in 2018-19.

Revised Funding Profile – Better services in your community – Implementation of ACT Climate Change Adaptation Strategy

350 The consultancies that were originally estimated to be completed in 2017-18 have been pushed out to later years as policy work is being developed.

Revised Funding Profile – Better services in your community – Improving sustainability through innovative financing

50 Funding is committed but payments will made in early 2018-19.

Revised Funding Profile – Progressing Actions on Climate Change

100 Final contract for 2017-18 is currently being finalised. Payments will most likely be made in 2018-19. Budget for next year already committed so need to rollover funding to pay for contract.

Territorial

Office of the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment (Operations)

400 Production of the State of the Environment report takes place over a three year period. Consequently, timing of invoices requires funds to be rolled over.

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ISSUE: Budget Summary

Talking points:

• The Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (the Directorate) promotes the orderly growth of our city, strengthens the Territory’s response to climate change, provides an integrated planning and land use system that contributes to the sustainable development and future of the ACT and manages the Territory’s parks and reserves.

Key Information

The 2017-18 Budget provides $157.379m in recurrent funding, adjusting for transfers and technical adjustments including rollovers, the estimated outcome is $158.603m.

Recurrent funding reduces in the 18-19 year to $133.079m, this is mainly due to funding required for the Public Housing Renewal Taskforce decreasing as the program moves away from the demolition into construction $31.069m, although is partially offset by an increase in Budget Initiatives at Attachment A.

The $133.079m in 18-19 recurrent funding has been attributed to the output classes, as follows: - Conservation and Land Management $36.993m (27.8%); - Planning and Building Policy $14.370m (10.8%); - Environment $13.508m (10.2%); - Planning Delivery $12.949m (9.7%); - Climate Change and Sustainability $12.563m (9.4%); - Land Strategy $12.575m(9.4%); - Asbestos Remediation $10.200m(7.7%); - Urban Renewal $9.031m(6.7%); - Public Housing Renewal Taskforce (PHRT) $8.829m(6.6%); and - Heritage $2.061m (1.5%); Recurrent funding is supplemented by budgeted revenue applied to Directorate programs and projects of $16.120m (excluding Asbestos Response Taskforce, PHRT Sales and non cash revenue). Primary revenue streams include: - Forestry $5.242m (Conservation and Land Management); - ACTSMART Tier 2 $2.5m (Climate Change and Sustainability);

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- Lease Administration $2.288m (Planning Delivery); - REIF and Battery Storage $1.647m (Climate Change and Sustainability); - EEIS $1.450m (Climate Change and Sustainability); and - Environmental Fees $1.251m. The 2017-18 Budget provides $327.040m in capital funding, adjusting for transfers and technical adjustments including rollovers, the estimated outcome is $215.323m.

Capital funding reduces to $152.911m in the 2018-19 year due to the timing of funding requirements in the Public Housing Renewal Taskforce in the 2018-19 year. The capital funding of $152.911m includes primary programs and projects for PHRT $105.984m; ACT Healthy Waterways $19.771m; Asbestos ResponseTaskforce $14.948m; and Other Environmental Projects $7.517m. The 2018-19 Budget includes funding for Territorial programs including Office of the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment $1.668m, Heritage Grants $0.346m and Environmental Grants $0.195m.

FTEs

• The 17-18 budget assumed full year recruitment to the new organisational structure for the Directorate commencing July 2017. A number of positions are yet to be recruited, including for the Building Policy initiative, and a number of positions are vacant due to staff movements, both resulting in a lower FTE in the 17-18 Estimated Outcome.

• The Asbestos Task Force workload has been decreasing resulting in the need for lower FTEs. Capabilities are being retained in the Territory where able.

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SENSITIVE

20/06/2018 SENSITIVE pg 1

Summary of 2018-19 EPSDD budget initiatives

Initiative name Original Initiative description Minister Type of funding2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 Total

Capital ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0Expense (S'000) 0 250 0 0 250Depreciation ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0Revenue/Offset ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0

Capital ($'000) -1,307 0 0 0 -1,307Expense (S'000) 1,614 0 0 0 1,614Depreciation ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0Revenue/Offset ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0


Capital ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0Expense (S'000) 2,500 2,000 1,500 0 6,000Depreciation ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0Revenue/Offset ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0


Capital ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0Expense (S'000) 120 0 0 0 120Depresitation ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0Revenue/Offset ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0








Environment and Heritage

Budget Statement E

More services in our suburbs - Equestrian infrastructure (EPSDD E02)

The Government will review horse agistment arrangements in the ACT to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place for Canberra’s equestrians.

Planning and Land Management

Better Government – Carbon Neutral ACT Government Program improvements (EPSDD E03)

The Government will bring together expertise within agencies to implement carbon reduction solutions across Government that will accelerate the achievement of greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Climate Change and Sustainability


More jobs for our growing city – Helping homes be energy smart (EPSDD E06)

The Government will continue to deliver Actsmart programs that help low-income households to save on energy bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing their energy and water consumption. The program also provides free independent energy saving advice to all households.


More jobs for our growing city – Supporting a sustainable community (EPSDD E05)

The Government will continue to deliver Actsmart programs that help businesses schools and public events reduce waste and increase recycling.


Better Government – Better telecommunication licensing (EPSDD E09)

The Government will audit mobile phone towers and equipment shelters constructed on Territory land to improve the licensing scheme within the ACT.

Better Government – ACT Chief Engineer (EPSDD E32)

The Government will appoint a Chief Engineer for the ACT to improve the quality and efficiency of ACT Government infrastructure delivery. The cost of this initiative will be fully offset from within existing resources.



More services for our suburbs – Sullivans Creek Flood Management Plan (EPSDD E17)

The Government will engage with the community and business to improve the amenity and use of public places in 2018-19. The primary focus will be the Woden Town Centre which will provide lessons to inform the development of an ACT Placemaking Guide.

More services for our suburbs – Better public places (EPSDD E20)


The Government will commission a review of the Southwell Park Retarding Basin to inform Sullivans Creek flood management improvements.

Keeping our growing city moving – National Capital Design Review Panel (EPSDD E26)

The Government will establish a National Capital Design Review Panel to provide independent expert advice about significant projects. The panel will improve the design quality of private sector developments and significant government projects, in partnership with the ACT Government Architect and National Capital Authority.


Better Government – Engineer Registration Scheme – early planning (EPSDD E31)

The Government will consult with the community to inform the establishment of a registration scheme for engineers operating in the Territory.


More services for our suburbs – Cleaning up carp (EPSDD E14)

The Government will appoint a coordinator to oversee the implementation of the national Carp Control Plan and proposed national release of the carp virus for the biological control of carp within the ACT between 2019 and 2021.

More services for our suburbs – Healthier catchments through better water management (EPSDD E15)

The Government will investigate the establishment of an interstate water entitlement trading scheme.


More services for our suburbs – Protecting local catchments (EPSDD E34)

The Government will provide additional one-off support to the Molonglo Catchment Group, Southern ACT Catchment Group and Ginninderra Catchment Group, while the Commonwealth National Landcare Program transitions to a competitive grant model.


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SENSITIVE




Budget Statement E

Capital ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0Expense (S'000) 300 900 950 975 3,125Depreciation ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0Revenue/Offset ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0


Capital ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0Expense (S'000) 200 1,238 72 74 1,584Depreciation ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0Revenue/Offset ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0

Capital ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0Expense (S'000) 410 400 420 56 1286Depreciation ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0Revenue/Offset ($'000) -410 -400 -420 -56 -1286

Capital ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0Expense (S'000) 1,499 0 0 0 1,499Depreciation ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0Revenue/Offset ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0

Capital ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0Expense (S'000) 1,006 0 0 0 1,006Depreciation ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0Revenue/Offset ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0


Capital ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0Expense (S'000) 500 0 0 0 500Depreciation ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0Revenue/Offset ($'000) -500 0 0 0 -500





Capital ($'000) 226 489 0 0 715Expense (S'000) 627 816 0 0 1443

More services for our suburbs – Ecotourism Woodlands Learning Centre (EPSDD E30)

The Government will support the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust by contributing to the construction of a nature learning centre adjacent to the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary. The Centre will enhance the tourism experience of the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary through the construction of a café, community use space, carparks and interactive displays promoting the work of the Woodland and Wetlands Trust and the natural and cultural



More jobs for our growing city – Urban renewal in Kenny – early planning (EPSDD E12)

The Government will commence early planning works to examine future land developments in northern Canberra to continue expanding the supply of housing.


More services for our suburbs – Best of Canberra mountain bike experience – design (EPSDD C02)

In consultation with the community the Government will plan and design a new mountain bike trail network which will support the implementation of the Cycle Tourism Strategy for the ACT.


More support for families and the vulnerable – Innovation to boost affordable housing (EPSDD E33)

The Government will invest in projects aimed at increasing the supply of affordable rental properties available for families escaping domestic violence and specialist disability accommodation. The cost of this initiative will be met through the provision established for the Housing Innovation Fund in the 2017-18 Budget Review.

Housing & Suburban

Development

Keeping our growing city moving - Antill Street Sewer - design works (EPSDD C07)

The Government will design a new sewer to cater for future development and population growth around the Dickson Group Centre.


More services for our suburbs – Protecting Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary from pests (EPSDD E23)

The Government will work to eradicate rabbits and hares from within the extended Mulligans Flat Predator Proof Sanctuary to protect the sanctuary’s ecological health.


More services for our suburbs – Protecting native species (EPSDD E22)

The Government will employ two additional rangers and invest in more habitat management to reduce invasive pests and plants including feral deer within the ACT.

More jobs for our growing city – Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing (EPSDD C09)

The Government will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing and the ACT’s role in this historic event by upgrading the walking track between Orroral Valley, Honeysuckle Creek and the Orroral Geodetic Dome ahead of celebrations in July 2019. The Government will also create an app to help visitors understand the significance of the sites along the track.


More jobs for our growing city – Establishing

The Government will protect native species and their habitats as part of the Matters of National Environmental Significance within the Eastern Broadacre Strategic Assessment


More services for our suburbs – Urban renewal in Dickson (EPSDD E11)

The Government will undertake demolition works at Dickson section 72 to enable future development including a new Common Ground.


More support for families and the vulnerable – Innovation in housing choices (EPSDD E21)

The Government will continue to engage with the community and industry stakeholders on the development of housing products that demonstrate how innovative planning, design and delivery can benefit Canberrans. The Government will also begin preparing sites for the delivery of demonstration housing projects.


More services for our suburbs – Aerial imagery for better planning (EPSDD E07)

The Government will invest in capturing and storing aerial images of the ACT to better support government planning processes and the management of our urban and rural environments. The cost of this initiative will be met from Directorates using this service.


More services for our suburbs – Due diligence for urban renewal (EPSDD E10)

The Government will undertake more due diligence work to support the delivery of future greenfield development fronts and urban renewal. The due diligence works will enable the Government to deliver our land release program and increase the supply of land available to meet Canberra’s growing population.


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SENSITIVE




Budget Statement E

Depreciation ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0Revenue/Offset ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0

Capital ($'000) 1,044 800 834 504 3,182Expense (S'000) 0 19 37 62 118Depreciation ($'000) 0 6 14 35 55Revenue/Offset ($'000) 0 0 0 0 0



More services for our suburbs – Establishing the Molonglo River Reserve (EPSDD C01)

The Government will protect native species and their habitats by undertaking ecological conservation works in the Molonglo River Reserve as part of the Molonglo Valley Plan for the Protection of Matters of National Environmental Significance. This will support existing and further residential development in the Molonglo Valley.

More services for our suburbs – Improved conservation management (EPSDD C10)

The Government will invest in land conservation management works in the Jerrabomberra Valley which hosts a number of environmental assets.



More jobs for our growing city – Protecting the Murrumbidgee River Corridor (EPSDD C05)

The Government will continue to support the Murrumbidgee River Corridor Million Trees project, allowing for the planting of up to 5,000 more trees.


environmental offsets (EPSDD C03)

zone. This will help facilitate future industrial development on Canberra’s eastern edge. The funding is dependent on the finalisation of the Eastern Broadacre Strategic Assessment proposed in 2019.

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SENSITIVE




Budget Statement E

Summary by Category

2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 Total

Provisioned or not in Appropriation Table

Capital ($'000) 578 1,821 899 504 3,802

Appears in Appropriation table from 17-18 incorrectly

Expense (S'000) 11,822 7,446 3,930 1,688 24,886

Redhill Nature Reserve included in Approp table, not above as it was included in Budget Review.

Depreciation ($'000)

- 6 22 57 85

Revenue/Offset ($'000) - 910 - 400 - 420 - 56 - 1,786

Budget Statement E

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Cleared as complete and accurate: 31/05/2018 Cleared by: Deputy Director-General Ext: 75001 Contact Officer Name: Antonio Mozqueira Ext: 54820


ISSUE: Climate Strategy Community Engagement & Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme Review

Talking points:

Climate Strategy Community Engagement

• Community engagement for developing a new Climate Strategy for theACT was conducted from early 2017 to April 2018, with a formalcommunity consultation period on the ‘ACT’s Climate Strategy to a NetZero Emissions Territory discussion paper’ (discussion paper) from11 December 2017 to 9 April 2018.

• During the consultation period on the discussion paper officers spoke toan estimated 1,700 people at meetings, events and roundtables. Prior tothis, from January to November 2017, officers spoke to around 300people to seek early advice on developing the discussion paper.

• Consultation on the discussion paper generated a high level ofcommunity interest, including:

o 11 written submissions over 1,100 contributions via Your Say,including 116 contributions to forums and around 900 votes inquick polls

o 116 photo competition entries from 45 participants

o over 60,000 people reached via social media

o over 3,000 unique visits to the Your Say page (individual IPaddresses/devices visiting the site) and around 6,700 total visits(including multiple visits from the one device).

• During this engagement, there were over 2,000 individual suggestionsmade on a range of topics, which included around 900 distinct ideas(once duplicates were removed).

• The cost of engagement activities from December 2017 to May 2018 was$9,990 including event costs, advertising, printing and photocompetition prizes and excluding staff time.

• The cost of earlier engagement activities from February to November2017 was $5,340.

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Other key information on Climate Change engagement

• From 11 December 2017 to 9 April 2018 officers:

o delivered 11 presentations to community groups andorganisations

o attended eight events including the Canberra Show, the NationalMulticultural Festival, the Senior’s Expo, University of Canberra O-Week and ANU O-Week

o organised three events - the discussion paper launch, a ClimateCafé event at ANU and a Q&A information session

o held three meetings with stakeholder groups

o ran five drop in sessions at libraries.

• From January to November 2017 officers:

o delivered 10 presentations to community groups andorganisations

o organised four events including two community and stakeholderroundtables

o held three meetings with stakeholder groups.

• A consultation summary event was held on 1 May 2018 to provide a highlevel summary of the ideas raised and announce the photo competitionwinners.

Climate change adaptation survey

• In 2017, EPSDD contracted University of Canberra to undertake alongitudinal community survey to establish a baseline for measuring theresilience of ACT residents to adapt to the impacts of climate change.This survey was undertaken as a cornerstone of the ACT’s ClimateChange Adaptation Strategy, Living with a Warming Climate, as part of arobust monitoring and evaluation action.

• An online survey, taking approximately 20-30 minutes to complete, wasundertaken in February 2018 by more than 2,700 respondents from theACT and the capital region (eg. Queanbeyan and Murrumbateman).University of Canberra has presented initial findings to the ACT Climate

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Change Council as well as the internal Climate Change Working Group and the Director-General-led Climate Change Steering Committee.

• A draft final report will be presented in July 2018 and will be publicly available shortly thereafter. The cost of the contract was #37,628 (ex GST).

Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme Review

• An Independent Review of the Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme (EEIS) was carried out in early 2018 and the results will be published later this year.

• A wide range of stakeholders have contributed to the EEIS Review through workshops, focus groups, individual interviews, surveys and direct participant feedback.

• Key stakeholders consulted during the review process included electricity retailers, service providers, scheme participants, community and environmental organisations.

• An EEIS Stakeholder Forum was held on 27 February 2018 at the Renewables Innovation hub. The purpose of the forum was to consult stakeholders on what EEIS has achieved, ways in which it can be improved, including possible new activities and options beyond 2020 in the context of how the ACT can achieve net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest. The total cost of the stakeholder forum was $7,836.29, which included consultants and catering expenses.

Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme Priority Household consultation

• The Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme (EEIS) specifically aims to increase opportunities for low income households to reduce energy use and costs by way of a 20% Priority Household Target (PHT).

• Consultation to review the Priority Household Target is carried out annually. A wide range of stakeholders, including ActewAGL, ACTCOSS, ACAT, community and environmental organisations are invited to provide feedback.

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• A similar group of stakeholders were consulted on improving the energy efficiency of public housing and expanding the classes of priority households during 2017.

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Cleared as complete and accurate: 30/05/2018 Cleared by: Deputy Director-General Ext: 75001 Contact Officer Name: Paul Sutton Ext: 70270


ISSUE: Strengthened Carbon Neutral Government Framework

Talking points:

• The Carbon Neutral Government (CNG) Program allows theACT Government to lead by example on the community’s pathway tocarbon neutrality by 2045.

• Endorsed in 2012, the CNG Framework enables and coordinates awhole-of-government approach to achieving carbon neutrality ingovernment operations in a cost-effective manner by 2020.

• Government emissions currently account for around 4% of the ACT’sgreenhouse gas emissions profile. The CNG Framework has achieved$2 million per year of savings in government energy costs and an 11percent reduction in ACT Government emissions since 2014. This hasbeen achieved through mitigation actions like large-scale energyefficiency upgrades and the transition to 100% renewable electricity.

• The 2018-19 budget allocates a total of $1.897 million to implementingand strengthening the CNG Program. A total of eight full-time employeeswill be dedicated to the program, including reallocation of existing staff,reclassification of capital funding and the addition of two new positions.

• As the ACT gets closer to meeting its 100% renewable electricity target,Government projects aimed at reducing emissions from natural gas andtransport will become increasingly important.

• This budget will see dedicated specialists targeting the focus areas oftransport (which is projected to make up over 50% of Governmentemissions by 2020) and building operations (heating and cooling).

• Included in the Strengthened Carbon Neutral Government Frameworkfunding is $800,000 for a CNG Fund Grant Scheme, which is designed tosupport innovative projects and new technologies that are unable toaccess support from the CNG Loan Fund. Zero emissions heating and hotwater systems are in an early developing and marketing phase inAustralia meaning that cost paybacks can be uncertain. However thesestill present an opportunity for the ACT Government to encourageinnovation, demonstrate leadership and meet its 2020 carbon neutralitytargets.

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Key Information

A CNG Implementation Committee, consisting of a representative from each directorate, was established in 2013 to coordinate efforts across Government and oversee implementation of the CNG Framework. The Committee reports annual progress to the ACTPS Strategic Board.

To facilitate the transition to carbon neutral government operations, the CNG Program team in EPSDD administers the CNG Fund, maintains the Enterprise Sustainability Platform database of energy, fuel and water consumption, costs and emissions, and provides training and assistance to agencies in reducing and reporting energy and emissions.

2018/19 Budget - Staffing

• This budget outcome is consistent with a recommendation by the Commissioner forSustainability and the Environment from the Implementation Status Report on ACTGovernment’s Climate Change Policy to ensure ‘adequate and permanent resourcesare committed to the CNG program’.

• The 2018/19 budget will provide the following staffing profile for the CNG program:

o new funding for a CNG Program Manager (SOG B) and Transport specialist(SOG C) to coordinate the CNG program and target emissions from thetransport sector ($307,000);

o temporary reclassification of capital funding to expense funding to supporttwo positions (ASO5 and ASO6) dedicated to governance and administrationof the Fund; temporary reclassification of capital funding to expense fundingto support two positions (SOG C) as Energy Project Officers tasked withidentifying projects and supporting agencies access the CNG Loan Fund($507,000);

o transfer of two staff and asociated funding from ACT Property Group asEnergy Project Officers tasked with identifying projects and supportingagencies access the CNG Loan Fund ($283,000); and

o continued billing of direcorates to fund two additional staff to manage theEnterprise Sustainability Platform.

• The two positions transferred from ACT Property Group will be funded until 2021.The remaining positions will all be for a 12 month period.

2018/19 Budget - CNG Fund Grant Stream

• The CNG Fund Grant Scheme is intended to support innovative projects and newtechnologies which are unable to access support from the CNG Fund, with $800,000commited in the 2018/19 ACT budget.

• The need for a Grant Stream became apparent as the installation of electric heatingsystems were largely ineligible to access the CNG Fund due to long or uncertainpayback periods.

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• The majority of ACT Government natural gas consumption comes from water andspace heating. The range and availability of electric water and space heaters,particularly for office buildings, is currently low in the ACT market. There areinformation gaps surrounding the ability of some systems to operate in the ACT’scolder climate, attracting additional feasibility costs.

• The intention of the Grant Stream is to allow these new technolgoies to be trialledon ACT Government sites.

CNG Fund The CNG Fund provides interest-free loans to agencies to support approved energy efficiency and emissions saving projects. Energy savings are used to repay the loan, replenishing the CNG Fund and making funds available for new projects. The current balance of the Fund is approximately $6.5 million. To access the Fund, ACT Government agencies are required to have a current Resource Management Plan and a business plan outlining how the loan will be repaid.

From July 2012 the ACT Government redirected the majority of its GreenPower budget to support energy efficiency projects through the CNG Fund. GreenPower currently makes up 5% of the ACT Government’s electricity purchases, and this proportion will be maintained until the 2018-19 financial year.

28 ACT Government projects have been supported under the CNG Fund since 2010, to a value of approximately $14.8 million. A diverse range of projects have been supported including; lighting upgrades, heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) upgrades, smart building management systems, and an off grid solar photovoltaic system connected to battery storage.

Enterprise Sustainability Platform (ESP)

The ESP was fully implemented in 2014 to provide accurate and information on energy and water consumption, cost and greenhouse gas emissions data required for reporting and resource management planning.

ESP data underpins the tracking of formal energy reduction targets, derived from carbon budgets, which set an annual cap on energy consumption for an agency. Since July 2016 energy targets have been used as an accountability indicator in Director-General performance agreements.

CNG Framework Review The CNG Framework was reviewed during 2016-17. The review evaluated progress on the implementation of strategies and actions under the Framework, considered existing measures and successes to date, and recommended actions required to ensure that the ACT Government achieves net zero emissions by 2020, and further reduces and maintains net zero emissions beyond 2020.

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• [Sensitive] Carbon neutrality in Government operations will not be met in 2020 without the use of carbon offsets. Government will need to consider in future budgets the quality and type of carbon offsets needed to meet this commitment, or whether it takes an alternative approach to reducing its liability for carbon emissions.

• [Sensitive] The 2010-11 and 2011-12 ACT Budgets provided $407,000 and $780,000 respectively for the establishment and ongoing operation of the ESP project over four years. This period concluded at the end of June 2016. In 2016 Budget Cabinet agreed to the ESP being funded by contributions from agencies, with EPSDD to negotiate the funding transfers. Directorate funding contributions are based on their relative energy use and number of utility accounts. Total annual funding for the ESP is $350,000 which includes funding of a full-time ESP support position located within the CNG team. A new ESP contract commenced on 20 October 2017, for a 2+2 year term.

• [Sensitive] Since 2000-01, the ACT Government has used an annual budget appropriation to purchase renewable electricity (GreenPower). In 2011, Cabinet Decision 11/253 agreed to temporarily reduce GreenPower purchase from 37.5% to 5% of electricity consumption from 1 July 2012 until the 2018/19 financial year. The remaining amount is used to fund energy project officers in ACT Property Group, with the rest transferred to the CNG Fund for energy efficiency projects. Government will consifder the approach to GreenPower purchases during 2018/19.

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Cleared as complete and accurate: 18/01/2018 Cleared by: Deputy Director-General Ext: 75001 Contact Officer Name: Ros Malouf Ext: 75335


ISSUE: Contiuation of non-energy Actsmart programs

The 2018-19 budget provides $661,000 funding for the continuation of the Actsmart non-energy programs help businesses, schools and the event sectors to reduce emissions through reducing waste to landfill whilst reducing the operational costs of these sectors.

Talking points:

• Funding in 2018-19 for Actsmart non-energy programs include ActsmartSchools, Actsmart Business Recycling, Actsmart Public Event, WoodHeater Replacement, and the Low Income Volunteer Curtain Program.

• These programs support the school, household, community, businessand ACT Government sectors with waste reduction, biodiversity andbroader sustainability initiatives.

• Actsmart energy programs are also delivered by EPSDD giving thecommunity the opportunity to reduce energy costs and manage energyefficiently.

Key Information

• Actsmart Schools provides schools with the knowledge, understanding and skills tosustainably manage energy, waste, water and school grounds/biodiversity, and tointegrate sustainability into the curriculum. It is a behavioural change actionprogram that engages the whole school. It supports schools to implementsustainable management practices into everyday school operations. All ACT schoolsare signed up to Actsmart Schools. Performance measures include annual delivery ofeight teacher/student workshops with 230 participants, 30 new accreditations ofone of the key focus areas – water, waste, energy, biodiversity or curriculum.

• Actsmart Business Recycling program provides support, advice and accreditation tobusinesses and offices to reduce waste to landfill. Program support recognition viaannual Awards and Sustainability Expo. Budget Accountability indicator - to increasenumber of clients supported by business programs by 10% in 2018/19. Otherindicators of success include delivery of Annual Expo and Awards and increase ofparticipants usingthe online recycling training by 1,000 annually.

• Actsmart Public Event program supports events to be more sustainable in water,waste and energy. It provides a guide for event holders and support through signage,equipment and advice. Supports approx 100 events per year.

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• The Wood Heater Replacement program aims to reduce winter air pollution from wood smoke, offering a financial incentive to replace an old wood heater with an energy efficient alternative.

• Volunteer Curtain Program provides funding to support the purchase and installation of thermally backed energy efficient curtains to vulnerable households. Clients are identified and referred through the existing Home Energy Efficiency Program. This program provides a range of benefits to low income households including improved energy efficiency and reduced heating/cooling costs and other co-benefits such as increased privacy and comfort. Performance measure for this program will be the installation of curtains to 125 low income vulnerable households.

• The Community Gardens Grant Program supports community gardens across Canberra by providing a range of benefits including enabling the supply and enjoyment of locally-produced food, supporting initiatives to provide fresh food to disadvantaged people, as well as promoting social cohesion, community engagement and healthy living.

• Management of communications will be strategically implemented and modified over the period of funding to ensure maximum take up of projects within allocated finite budget.

• Targeted campaigns will use low cost methods to ensure maximum component of budget is directed at delivery to the clients including but not limited to social media, targeted industry campaigns, website, links to community sector already funded through Actsmart, etc.


• These programs support the delivery of the 9th Parliamentary Agreement on Climate Change and Sustainability – to support the community and city to combat human-induced climate change, and specifically to support implementation of Parliamentary Agreement items 6.1 and 6.2.

• All Actsmart programs are evaluated every three years to ensure they remain relevant, cost effective, keep up with technical and industry development and meet the expectations of both Government and the community.

• The Actsmart Business and Schools programs required all clients to undertake milestones to meet a standard (accreditation). Schools reaching accreditation on average reduce waste costs by 20%. Businesses accredited under the waste program reduce waste on average between 10-30%.

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Cleared as complete and accurate: 18/01/2018 Cleared by: Director-General Ext: Contact Officer Name: Ros Malouf Ext: 75335


ISSUE: Continuation of Actsmart Energy Programs

The 2018-19 budget provides $2.5 million in funding for continuation of the existing Actsmart energy programs. The programs will give the household (including the low income households) and business community the opportunity to participate in programs that support reduction of energy use, energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Talking points:

• Low income households are heavily supported by these programsproviding appliance upgrades, draught proofing and education to givevulnerable householders the tools to reduce their costs of living andimprove comfort.

• Similarly the small business sector are provided with tools to reducebusiness energy costs and potential to reduce the costs of doingbusiness.

• Impact on the community will ensure that the business sector will havethe opportunity to grow their business and mitigate increasing energycosts expected in the future.

• Actsmart works closely with various stakeholders across the programsincluding ACTCOSS, St Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army and CareFinancial. These stakeholders work on the ground, directly with theclients receiving Actsmart services and by involving them in thedevelopment and delivery of the Actsmart Programs. It ensures that theprograms meet the needs of the clients as well as providing the bestvalue for money for the ACT Government.

• The Actsmart Energy programs support the delivery of the 9th

Parliamentary Agreement on Climate Change and Sustainability – tocommit to doing everything we can as a community and city to combathuman-induced climate change, and specifically to supportimplementation of Parliamentary Agreement items 6.1 and 6.2.

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Cleared as complete and accurate: 18/01/2018 Cleared by: Director-General Ext: Contact Officer Name: Ros Malouf Ext: 75335

Key Information

• Actsmart Business Energy and Water program provides small businesses andcommunity organisations assistance to reduce their energy and water use. Eligiblebusinesses (under 10 full-time equivalent staff and/or electricity bills under$20,000/year) receive a free energy and water assessment, tailored action plan andaccess to a rebate of up to $5,000 to undertake energy and water efficiencyupgrades. Has supported over 750 ACT businesses since the program commenced in2012. Budget Accountability indicator - increase number of clients supported bybusiness programs by 10%. Performance measure is to target 170 businessassessments per annum with a conversion to rebate of 55%.

• Actsmart Sustainable Home Advice provides free and independent advice forhouseholds seeking to reduce energy costs, improve comfort and reduce the carbonfootprint of ACT households. The program is delivered via phone and email advice,home audits, educational workshops, events and online resources. Performancemeasure is to provide advice to 1000 householders annually

• The Home Energy Efficiency Program is delivered through on-ground activities to theACT community by qualified energy efficiency officers, providing low incomehouseholds with access to energy assessments, advice, and energy saving kits,replacement of fridges and inefficient heaters and provision of subsidies for nointerest loans. The program helps to alleviate some of the pressures felt, which isparticularly pertinent in light of increased utility prices. Budget Accountabilityindicator is to support 1,000 household per annum.


• Target audiences for the Actsmart Energy Programs includes businesses, householders,schools, event holders and the community. Actsmart will continue to implement deliverymodels that fit the smart digital model and give individuals the digital tools to self help toimprove their sustainability.

• The programs team use the following communication methods; face to face at events,advertising, online tools, collaboration with industry groups, workshops and networksdeveloped over years.

• Management of communications will be strategically implemented and modified over theperiod of funding to ensure maximum take up of programs within allocated finite budget.

• All Actsmart programs are externally evaluated every three years to ensure they remainrelevant, cost effective, keep up with technical and industry development and meet theexpectations of both Government and the community.

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Cleared as complete and accurate: 18/06/2018 Cleared by: Director Ext: 76339 Contact Officer Name: Shiva Sivalingam Ext: 53394

Portfolio: Climate Change and Sustainability ISSUE: ADVERTISING COSTS

Talking Points

• The Directorate has spent $0.949 million on advertising between1 July 2017 and 31 May 2018.

Key information

• The Directorate’s advertising spend for the budget year to date is asfollows:

2016-17 2017-18

Program $’000 $’000

Climate Change and Sustainability Actsmart General 36 122

Actsmart Business and Office 126 197

Actsmart Energy 37 92

Actsmart Public Events Recycling 26 42

ToiletSmart - -

Heat 17 31

Climate Change - AP2 16 5

Energy 33 16

EnvironmentNational Landcare Program 1 7

Waterwatch 5 8

Basin Priority Project 71 1

Water 44 1

Parks and Conservation 28 27

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Cleared as complete and accurate: 18/06/2018 Cleared by: Director Ext: 76339 Contact Officer Name: Shiva Sivalingam Ext: 53394

PlanningDevelopment Assessment -

Building Policy (Swimming Pool Safety) 165 90

Heritage Public Notices 1 1

Master Planning - 3

General (across both Outputs)General (such as recruitment costs) 18 28

Asbestos Response Taskforce* 278 278

Total Advertising 902 949

*Expenditure for the period 1 July through 31 May for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 financialyears is correct at $0.278m.

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Cleared as complete and accurate: 18/06/2018 Cleared by: Gary Spencer Director Ext: 76339 Contact Officer Name: Shiva Sivalingam Ext: 53394

Portfolio: Whole of Directorate

ISSUE: TRAVEL AND FLEET COSTS

Talking Points

• The Directorate has spent $1.678 million on travel between 1 July 2017and 31 May 2018.

• For the same period, the Directorate spent $1.546 million on travel andfleet costs in 2016-17.

• The Directorate has a full year budget of $0.391 million for travel and$1.477 million for vehicle fleet costs, totalling $1.868m.

Key information

• The breakdown of travel costs is as follows:

Type 2016-17 $’000

2017-18 $’000

Variance

Pay Parking 6 11 5

Taxi Hire/Cabcharge 34 24 -10

Travel (Domestic) 137 191 54

Travel (Overseas) 30 27 -3

Other Travel 2 2 0

Vehicle Fleet Costs 1,337 1,423 86

1,546 1,678 132

• The increase in Travel expenditure is due to an increase in the size of theDirectorate. Domestic travel contributed most to this increase.

• International travel costs breakdown:

o Ben Ponton - $23K (Prague and United States)

o Neil Cooper - $3K (Canada Fire Deployment)

o Brian Levine - $1K (Canada Fire Deployment)

o Geoffrey Rutledge, travelled to Korea, however reimbursementsought from Conference organisers.

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Cleared as complete and accurate: 18/06/2018 Cleared by: Gary Spencer Director Ext: 76339 Contact Officer Name: Shiva Sivalingam Ext: 53394

• The increase in Fleet expenditure is due to the replacement of numerousaged vehicles that were on lease extensions at a low cost with newvehicles on new leases at a higher cost. In addition the full year impactof replacement Fire Unit Response Vehicles has increased costs to theDirectorate.

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Cleared as complete and accurate: 31/05/2018 Cleared by: Deputy Director-General Ext: 75001 Contact Officer Name: Alice D’Costa Ext: 70262


ISSUE: Agency Resource Management Plan

Talking points:

• EPSDD set a 3% reduction target in electricity consumption for 2017-18.This was estimated to reduce carbon emissions by 2.8% compared withemissions at 1 July 2017.

• The target is subject to seasonal weather variations and climate change.

• This reduction was expected to come from the consolidation of staff inDame Pattie Menzies House by the end of 2017 and would result inreduced overall heating load in winter which is the greatest driver ofenergy consumption.

• 2017-18 YTD electricity consumption is 6.5% higher than for the sameperiod of 2016-17. Electricity consumption increased at Dame PattieMenzies House and decreased at Stromlo Depot, Tidbinbilla Depot andNamadgi Visitors Centre. Consistently high temperatures inDecember 2017 (10th-24th) resulted in increased demand for airconditioning in all occupied buildings.

• Transport fuel consumption remained steady between quarter 1 andquarter 2 of 2017-18.

Key Information

• The ACT has the most ambitious greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets inAustralia. The Resource Management Plan is a tool to support government tomanage environmental resources more efficiently and reduce its greenhouse gasemissions.This is supported by an annual Energy Efficiency Target.

• EPSDD manages a large number of assets through the Environment Division andSuburban Land Agency as well as having its staff in a large number of buildingsthroughout the ACT for either operational reasons or due to the cost of moving stafffollowing administrative arrangement changes. It is expected that staff currentlylocated at Dame Pattie Menzies House, 221 London Circuit and 470 NorthbourneAvenue will move to a new location in Dickson in 2020.

• When the target was set there was an anticipated consolidation of staff in DPMH bythe end of 2017. This was expected to result in reduced overall heating load withwinter, the greatest driver of energy consumption. This did not occur, rather EPSDDoccupied an additional building, Macarthur House, for 3 months in 2017 whichincreased the overall energy consumption for the Directorate.

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Cleared as complete and accurate: 31/05/2018 Cleared by: Deputy Director-General Ext: 75001 Contact Officer Name: Alice D’Costa Ext: 70262


Estimated baseline energy consumption at 1 July 2017:

Electricity (kWh) 1,406,796

Gas (MJ) 1,377,768

Baseline energy consumption (GJ) 6,442

Forecast EPSDD energy consumption as at 30 June 2018:

Electricity (kWh) 1,323,864

Gas (MJ) 1,300,164

Forecast energy consumption (GJ) 6,066

Forecast reduction (%) -5.8%

Efficiency target (%) -3.0%

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Cleared as complete and accurate: 31/05/2018 Cleared by: Director Ext: 76339 Contact Officer Name: Defu Wan Ext: 59881

Portfolio: Climate Change &

Sustainability

ISSUE: EPSDD FEES AND CHARGES FOR 2018-19

Talking points:

• All fees and charges under the Disallowable Instruments below havebeen increased by WPI set at 2.5% with appropriate rounding, withexception to the Building Levy and the Water Abstraction Charge.

• The Building Levy has been reduced from 0.98% to 0.97% of total cost ofworks in accordance with the 2017-18 business case that established theinitiative ‘Improving the ACT Building Regulatory Reform System’.

• The Water Abstraction Charge (WAC) has been increased by 3% as per aprevious Budget Cabinet decision.

• Administrative fees and charges have been increased by 2.5%.Key Information

• Additional revenue is recognised for the sale of Forestry Timber, which reflects achange in the contractual arrangements.

• The total value of Revenue budgeted for the 2018-19 year is included at AttachmentA.

• Fees include: Architects (Fees) Determination 2018 (No.1); Building (Fees)Determination 2018 (No.1); Clinical Waste (Fees) Determination 2018; CommunityTitle (Fees) Determination 2018 (No.1); Construction Occupations Licensing (Fees)Determination 2018 (No.1); Electricity Safety (Fees) Determination 2018 (No.1);Environment Protection (Fees) Determination 2018 (No.1); Fisheries (Fees)Determination 2018 (No.1); Gas Safety (Fees) Determination 2018 (No.1); Heritage(Fees) Determination 2018 (No.1); Nature Conservation (Fees) Determination 2018(No.2); Planning and Development (Fees) Determination 2018 (No.1); Surveyors(Fees) Determination 2018 (No.1); Unit Titles (Fees) Determination 2018 (No.1);Stock (fees) Determination 2018 (No.1); Stock (Levy) Determination 2018 (No.1);Stock (Minimum Stock Levy) Determination 2018 (No.1); Water and Sewerage (Fees)Determination 2018 (No.1); and Water Resources ( Fees) Determination 2018 (No.1)

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Cleared as complete and accurate: 31/05/2018 Cleared by: Director Ext: 76339 Contact Officer Name: Defu Wan Ext: 59881

Attachment A

EPSDD Controlled Revenue Revenue Detail ($000's)Land Revenue ART Land Sales 31,272 Taxes, Fees and Fines 29 User Charges PHRT Sales Gungahlin 18,000

Lease Administration 2,288 Envt Fees Misc 1,251 Forestry 5,242 ACTSMART 2,500 EEIS 1,450 Govt Architect 61 3D Planning Tool 150 Misc 345 31,287

Bank InterestHealthy Waterways and Battery Storage 440

RRFOCResources Received Free of Charge 2,358

Other Revenue Aerial Imagery 60 REIF and Battery Storage 1,647 Carbon Neutral (ACTPG ) 283 Misc 374 2,364

67,750 18-19 Controlled Rev 200,830 Less CRP 133,079-

67,751

EPSDD Territorial Revenue Revenue Detail ($000's)Taxes, Fees and Fines Lease Variation Charge 21,482

EEIS 1,793 Development Applications 5,875 29,150

Land Revenue Land Release SLA 52,171

Bank Interest

SLA and CRA interest on land holdings and Land Rent/30 Year loans 2,847

84,168 18-19 Controlled Rev 86,377 Less CRP 2,209-

84,168

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ISSUE: Wood Heater Program

The 2018-19 budget includes the continuation of the Wood Heater Replacement program which aims to improve the ACT’s air quality by offering rebate incentives for the removal and disposal of domestic wood burning heaters.

Talking points:

• The wood heater replacement program commenced in 2004, with over 1,100 wood heaters removed to date.

• There has been a small decline over the last 3-4 years, averaging at slightly over 20 removals each year.

• While recent media has suggested that people are considering wood heaters in response to increased electricity prices there is evidence to suggest that the price of wood does not necessarily result in a cost reduction.

Key Information

• The Wood Heater Replacement program aims to reduce winter air pollution from wood smoke, offering a financial incentive to replace an old wood heater with an energy efficient alternative.

• The Wood Heater Replacement Program commenced in 2004 offering a rebate for replacing a wood heater with a new mains-supplied gas heater. The rebate was funded by ActewAGL Distribution and administered by EPSDD.

• In October 2015 there was an expansion of the program to include replacement of wood heaters with energy efficient electric heat pumps (room and ducted). Modelling undertaken by the Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme (EEIS) indicated that heat pumps are the most efficient electric heating available.

• In 2017/18 a decision was made to remove gas heaters as a replacement option under the program. Applications that were submitted by 30 June 2017 for a gas replacement were included.


• The wood heater replacement program supports the delivery of the 9th Parliamentary Agreement on Climate Change and Sustainability – to support the community and city to combat human-induced climate change, and specifically to support implementation of Parliamentary Agreement items 6.1 and 6.2.

• The 1999 ABS data indicated that 6% of ACT households (8,700 households) used wood heaters as their primary heating source, decreasing to approximately 3% in the 2005 and 2014 census.

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ISSUE: ZERO EMISSIONS VEHICLES ACTION PLAN 2018-2021

Talking points:

• On 16 April 2018 Government released ‘The ACT’s Transition to ZeroEmissions Vehicles Action Plan 2018-2021’.

• The plan sets a clear direction for the ACT to demonstrate leadershipand outlines the actions Government will take to accelerate and supportthe uptake of zero emissions vehicles, including electric cars and electricbikes.

• An implementation plan is being developed and will provide furtherdetail on the timing and cost of implementing the action plan.

• The shift to electric vehicles will help to reduce greenhouse gasemissions, improve air quality and reduce noise pollution. This is animportant part of our work to reduce ACT emissions by 40% by 2020 andto achieve net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest.

• In 2020 emissions from transport will account for an estimated 60% ofACT emissions. Reducing emissions from car use is therefore critical forreducing overall emissions.

Industry interest

• Since releasing the action plan we have received strong positiveresponses from road user groups, associations and vehiclemanufacturers. The action plan has sent a strong signal to the marketthat there is strong and growing demand for affordable zero emissionsvehicles in Australia.

• Since April Government representatives have met with the NRMA,Electric Vehicle Council of Australia, several vehicle charginginfrastructure providers, and vehicle manufacturers including Renault,Jaguar, Toyota, Nissan and Tesla.

Government fleet and 50 charging stations

• One of the actions is to transition to a zero emissions Governmentpassenger vehicle fleet from 2020-21 (where fit for purpose).

• Enabling the procurement of zero emissions vehicles for Governmentfleet is a high priority in implementing the action plan. Work is underway

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to develop communication tools for ACT Government staff and the community which clearly explain electric vehicle operation including issues such as vehicle range, plug compatibility and charging requirements.

• Installing charging infrastructure at Government sites to support the shift to a zero emissions vehicle fleet is one the first steps in implementing this action. $456,000 has been allocated for installing the first 50 dual charging stations at Government sites. The installation of a further 200-300 dual charging stations will be required in subsequent years to provide charging for the full passenger vehicle fleet (640 vehicles at March 2018).

• Further analysis is required to determine exact vehicle numbers for procurement annually. Initial estimates are that we will be leasing 48 zero emissions vehicles in 2019-20 (50% of total newly leased); 137 in 2020-21 (100% of newly leased) and 81 in 2021-21 (100% of newly leased). It is anticipated that around 80-120 new zero emissions vehicles would be leased across Government annually from 2022-23. The Government passenger vehicle fleet is anticipated to be 100% zero emissions (where fit for purpose) from 2024-25 (allowing time for rolling replacement of vehicles as leases to expire).

• The location of the first 50 dual charging stations at Government sites is currently being determined based on vehicles to be leased and the garaging location of these vehicles. If some of these sites are considered suitable for public access to charging stations, further research will be undertaken on available systems for regulating payment and access to these stations.

Public charging stations

• Work is underway to develop principles to guide the design and assessment of public vehicle charging infrastructure. These principles will help to ensure there is a strategic, convenient and accessible network of charging stations across the ACT.

Registration concession

• Plug-in hybrid vehicles (‘PHEVs’ - which are powered by electricity unless they run out of charge, then run on fuel) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are defined as ‘zero emissions vehicles’ in the action plan. At present these vehicle types are not eligible for the 20% registration discount.

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• Work is underway to amend the discount scheme to include these vehicle types, possibly for a limited time in the case of PHEVs as a transition.

Key Information

• The shift to a zero emissions passenger vehicle fleet will have a financial impact for Government. At present, leasing of electric vehicles has a higher cost than leasing of comparable models of combustion engine vehicles. It is anticipated that the cost of electric vehicles will decrease in coming years as new models are introduced.

• However, maintenance and operating costs of electric vehicles are expected to be lower than for comparable combustion engine vehicles.

• Beyond an initial period it is anticipated that electric vehicles will become the lower cost option.

• The ACT already has Australia’s most generous incentives for the purchase and registration of zero emissions cars. In 2014 the ACT was the first Australian jurisdiction to introduce a scheme which means low emissions vehicles registered for the first time are exempt from stamp duty. We also offer a registration discount of 20% for gas and electric vehicles.

• The actions in the plan are listed below.

o At least 50% of all newly leased ACT Government fleet passenger vehicles will be zero emissions vehicles in 2019-20 (where fit for purpose).

o All newly leased ACT Government fleet passenger vehicles will be zero emissions vehicles from 2020-21.

o Amend the Parking and Vehicle General Access Code to require all new multi-unit and mixed use developments to install vehicle charging infrastructure.

o Work with local and state governments to facilitate the installation of charging stations on major routes to and from Canberra including routes to Sydney and coastal areas.

o Permit zero emissions vehicles to drive in transit lanes until 2023.

o Conduct a feasibility assessment for the installation of covered car parks with solar powered vehicle charging stations.

o Investigate providing incentives to encourage the use of electric bikes including through more secure bike parking and bike charging stations.

o Amend tax arrangements to allow ACT Government staff to salary sacrifice an electric bike.

o Support new and innovative businesses in the zero emissions vehicles sector to maximise job creation and economic development in the ACT.

o Investigate the potential use of vehicle batteries to support the electricity grid at times of peak demand.

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Review parking and traffic regulations to ensure that priorities offered to zero emissions vehicles can be enforced; and provide specific zero emissions vehicle number plates for easy identification and enforcement of zero emissions vehicles-related regulations (e.g. ensuring only zero emissions vehicles park and charge in allocated spaces for vehicles charging).


• ACT passenger vehicle fleet size at March 2018 – 640 passenger vehicles.

• Current vehicle charging stations in the ACT – approximately 23 (information from plugshare.com).

• Currently there are 17 battery electric vehicles and 7 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in the ACT fleet (plus 62 hybrid vehicles).

• Government is currently trialling two electric buses and one hybrid bus. The trial began in 2017 and will run until late 2018.

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QUESTION TIME BRIEF

Cleared as complete and accurate: 23/05/2018 Cleared by: Deputy Director-General Ext: 75001 Contact Officer Name: Hugo Temby Ext: 59337

Portfolio/s Climate Change & Sustainability

ISSUE: HYDROGEN DEMONSTRATION (INCLUDING VEHICLES)

Talking points:

• The ACT is partnering with the ANU’s Energy Change Institute and industry partners including EvoEnergy and Hyundai on a hydrogen demonstration project which includes transport, electricity grid support and gas grid injection.

• The project will build capability in the ACT’s high value-added renewable energy services ecosystem and positions us to benefit from regional developments, including South Australia’s complementary efforts to build a hydrogen export industry.

• The project is supported by around $8 million in industry investment and is currently expected to commence operating in mid-2019. The exact start date is subject to a number of variables including production timeframes for the 20 Hyundai hydrogen cars, which are yet to enter production.

Key Information

EPSDD is currently working with industry and across government to develop a hydrogen technology demonstration initiative as an outcome of the ACT’s renewable electricity reverse auctions. The ACT’s hydrogen demonstration project is supported by around $8 million in local investment commitments by the Hornsdale and Crookwell wind farms.


•

•

•

• Concurrently, the ACT has entered into a strategic partnership with South Australia on clean energy advancement. The partnership will be implemented through separate ‘project agreements’. The intent is for the first project agreement to be for collaboration on hydrogen projects in Adelaide and Canberra.

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QUESTION TIME BRIEF

Cleared as complete and accurate: 23/05/2018 Cleared by: Deputy Director-General Ext: 75001 Contact Officer: Peta Olesen Ext: 73423


ISSUE: ACT’S CLIMATE STRATEGY DISCUSSION PAPER

Talking points:

• Consultation on the discussion paper on the ACT’s climate strategy to a net zero emissions territory opened for public comment on 11 December 2017 and closed on 9 April 2018.

• Input for the development of the discussion paper included: o Community ideas from two roundtables held in 2017 Advice from

ACT’s Climate Change Council o Greenhouse gas emissions modelling of policy options and pathways.

• Economic modelling that costs the impacts on the economy to produce a marginal cost of abatement curve was released 1 March 2018.

• The discussion paper sought community views on Council’s proposal to set a new target for achieving net zero emissions by 2045 (in place of the current 2050 target) and setting interim emission reduction targets for 2025, 2030 and 2040 (refer to QoN E)

• Key focus areas for reducing emissions and increasing resilience to climate change are energy, transport, waste and land use.

• To achieve the next set of emission reduction targets we will need to reduce emissions fairly rapidly, especially from how we travel around the city.

• It is also important to consider the ongoing efficiency of how we use electricity, and how we build our homes, offices and public buildings to be low carbon and climate resilient.

• Community consultation on the discussion paper was extensive. In total, the ACT Government spoke to around 1,800 people at stalls, events and meetings such as:

o presentations to groups and events, including a range of presentations to Community Councils around Canberra, and 3 roundtable events at the Renewables Innovation Hub;

o major community events such as the Canberra Show, Multicultural Festival and the Senior’s Expo to engage with the community;

o with university students through events such as the ANU Climate Café, and attendance at the ANU and UC orientation weeks;

o Canberra’s multicultural community through a Multicultural Forum;

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QUESTION TIME BRIEF

Cleared as complete and accurate: 23/05/2018 Cleared by: Deputy Director-General Ext: 75001 Contact Officer: Peta Olesen Ext: 73423

o targeted meetings with industry groups such as the Business Chamber and the Property Council of Australia; and

o held drop-in sessions at Canberra’s libraries to give the community an opportunity to come to us with ideas and questions in a one-on-one environment.

• Online engagement has also been very successful. The ACT Government: o received 102 written submissions via the climate change inbox; o reached over 3,000 people via the yoursay webpage. Over 1,100

individual contributions were made via yoursay, including in forums and surveys; and

o reached 60,000 people via social media. • Through all these forms of consultation, the community shared over 2,000

ideas with the ACT Government on how the next climate change strategy should seek to tackle climate change.

o • A draft strategy and action plan will be developed following the assessment

of comments on the discussion paper and brought to Cabinet in late 2018.

Key Information

In 2017 the Climate Change policy team commenced the development of the next climate change strategy and action plan for the ACT. The first step in the process was to release a discussion paper for public consultation which was cleared by Cabinet on 6 December 2017.


ACT’s current climate change strategy, AP2, sets a pathway to achieving our 2020 targets. The new strategy will build on this work to set a pathway to 2025 so that the ACT can continue to lead on climate action. A new strategy and action plan needs to be in place by 2019.

EPSDD commenced work on a new strategy in December 2016, meeting with the ACT’s Climate Change Council to seek initial advice on emissions modelling. Two community roundtables were held in February and March 2017, and targeted stakeholder consultations were held during 2017 with subject matter experts to gather innovative ideas and topics for further investigation.

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QUESTION TIME BRIEF

Cleared as complete and accurate: 23/05/2018 Cleared by: Deputy Director-General Ext: 75001 Contact Officer: Daniel Harding Ext: 77533


ISSUE: NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY DEVELOPMENTS

Talking points:

The National Energy Guarantee (NEG)

• While the ACT Government has not yet decided whether to endorse the NEG, we are currently engaging with the Energy Security Board (ESB) to help improve its design to ensure it delivers outcomes that are in the interest of all Australian electricity consumers.

• The information available to date does not mention any emissions trajectory past 2030. It also only considers electricity sector emissions reductions targets on a pro-rata basis. This would result in other sectors of the economy such as transport and land use having to account for a larger share of the remaining abatement task.

• Major questions affecting the ACT still need to be answered, such as:

o the absence of a net zero emissions reduction trajectory to 2050 in line with the Paris Climate Agreement;

o any impacts on competition and consumer choice in electricity markets; and

o the implications regarding the additionality or otherwise of state and territory renewable energy and emissions reduction policies.

• Questions remain over the modelling around affordability outcomes, with doubts as to whether claimed costs savings would eventuate. Further concerns have been raised about the potential effect on the ACT’s renewable electricity contracts.

• The NEG policy proposal was put forward to the COAG Energy Council in late November 2017. Despite the misgivings of the ACT and South Australian governments, the COAG Energy Council voted via majority to task the ESB to undertake further design work on the NEG.

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QUESTION TIME BRIEF


• At the COAG Energy Council meeting on 20 April 2018, COAG Energy Ministers considered the further design work undertaken by the ESB and additional information provided by the Commonwealth. The Energy Council agreed the ESB progress development of the detailed design of the NEG, including consultation with jurisdictions on the specific detail of the design, for determination by the Council at its August 2018 meeting.

• The ESB released 14 technical working group papers on 22 May 2018, which provide significant new detail on technical aspects of the NEG design. These papers will help the ESB further the policy design, which is expected to finalised for consideration by COAG Energy Ministers in August 2018.

• It is important to note that a decision has not yet been made to implement a NEG policy.

Changes in the ACT

• Over 18,000 Canberra households and businesses have now installed a rooftop solar power system, totalling approximately 66 megawatts in installed capacity. Coupled with our Canberra-based large scale solar farms, over 100 megawatts of solar generating capacity is now operating in the Territory.

• In the ACT we are continuing to lead the way for new innovations in the energy sector. For example, Canberra businesses Reposit Power and Evoenergy launched a Canberra-based trial in late 2017 of the world’s largest residential virtual power plant.

• This innovative project rewards participating households for exporting their stored electricity that has been generated from a rooftop solar system. The virtual power station coordinates batteries distributed across the city and can help manage peak electricity demand and improve grid security.

• It is projects such as this that have cemented Canberra as a nation leading hub for renewable energy research and development, and are at the forefront of an energy consumer transformation.

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QUESTION TIME BRIEF


Key Information

Australian energy markets are experiencing a major period of change driven by a range of government reforms and shifts in technology and consumer preferences.

On 17 October 2017, the Commonwealth Government, on advice from the newly formed Energy Security Board (ESB), announced its policy for a National Energy Guarantee (NEG) scheme.

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National Energy Guarantee (NEG)

The prospective NEG scheme was announced by the Commonwealth Environment and Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg MP on 17 October 2017. State and territory governments were not been consulted on the detail of the Commonwealth’s NEG announcement, which comprised an 8-page letter from the Energy Security Board (ESB). The ESB released a detailed consulation paper on 15 February 2018 seeking stakeholder feedback and submissions on the draft NEG design elements.

The NEG would be enacted via changes to national energy laws. Any change to national energy laws require the unanimous agreement of the COAG Energy Council, comprised of Commonwealth, state and territory governments.

The ACT Government supports the implementation of a national energy policy that ensures energy supply is affordable, reliable and helps meet Australia’s Paris Agreement climate change commitments.

The NEG would create new obligations on electricity retailers to purchase set amounts of electricity generation to meet any reliability shortfall that may be identified, and set amounts of renewable or low emissions energy generation to meet an emissions reduction obligation.

The NEG would be administered by the Australian Energy Regulator, although other market bodies may also have roles.

ACT energy policies and programs

The ACT’s Sustainable Energy Policy 2011-2020 provides an integrated framework with four targeted outcomes:

• Reliable and affordable energy

• Smarter use of energy (energy efficiency)

• Cleaner energy

• Growth in the clean economy.

In addition to ACT energy policies and programs, all jurisdictional Energy Ministers participate in the COAG Energy Council (the Council) which provides policy leadership of the National Electricity Market (NEM) under the Australian Energy Market Agreement. The NEM is operated by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), regulated by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) and rules are made by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC).

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QUESTION TIME BRIEF

Cleared as complete and accurate: 04/06/2018 Cleared by: Deputy Director-General Ext: 75001 Contact Officer Name: Antonia Harmer Ext: 70249


ISSUE: Improving sustainability through innovative financing

Talking points:

• Better services in your community – improving sustainability through innovative financing is a three-year $188,000 budget initiative, which runs from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020.

• The government is exploring opportunities to address key sustainability challenges where strategic financial inputs could accelerate the achievement of greenhouse gas emission reductions and other benefits.

• The initiative also includes comparative analysis of the relative costs and benefits of the following priority projects:

o Medium-large business upgrades: including building upgrades, solar and battery storage, opportunities for fuel switching from gas to renewable electricity.

o ACT government building upgrades: including building upgrades, solar and battery storage, opportunities for fuel switching from gas to renewable electricity.

o Housing: including deep retrofits, public housing upgrades, energy efficiency in rental houses, and net zero apartments.

o Transport: including transitioning to a zero emissions bus fleet and government light vehicle fleet.

o Adaptation and living infrastructure: including the urban heat island effect, tree planting, green spaces, wildlife corridors and supportive water management strategies.

• External engagement so far includes meetings with peak bodies, such as the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, Energy Efficiency Council and a collaboration with the Australian National University to obtain a report on Innovative Financing Options for a Carbon Neutral ACT.

• A joint event was held on 20 June with the Canberra Business Chamber on climate change solutions for business, which included information on innovative financing.

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QUESTION TIME BRIEF

Cleared as complete and accurate: 04/06/2018 Cleared by: Deputy Director-General Ext: 75001 Contact Officer Name: Antonia Harmer Ext: 70249

Key Information

• Innovative financing can improve sustainability by increasing investment in the energy efficiency of the built environment and will assist the ACT achieve its greenhouse gas reduction targets.

• The Improving sustainability through innovative finance initiative will provide options analysis and recommendations to the ACT Government of how best to utilise the range of new financing tools and mechanisms that are available. These include:

o Investment instruments such as revolving loan facilities, Energy Performance Contracts and Environmental Upgrade Agreements

o Climate financing products such as energy efficiency and low interest loans and other products provided by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and major banks.

• Innovative finance overcomes upfront cost barriers inhibiting investment in energy efficiency, solar power, battery, or electric vehicle and bus fleet upgrades. It will also help address market failures such as split incentives where building owners don’t make efficiency investments because it is the tenants who pay the energy bills.

Background Information

• In the last few years, many new innovative financial products and mechanisms have become available in Australia through partnerships between the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), the major banks and other financial institutions.

• They are offering financing products to support the private and public sector achieve a zero carbon transition at lower than market interest rates with extended payback periods.

• There are also a number of procurement models which incorporate alternative financing options that are gaining traction both in the government and private sectors.

• The initiative, overall, has potential to help deliver on five priorities from the Parliamentary Agreement including aspects of:

o 3.5 (prioritising green bus technologies),

o 4.4 (innovative funding for affordable housing),

o 6.2 (zero net greenhouse gas emissions),

o 6.5 (work to expand the urban and street shade canopy), and

o 6.7 (improving energy efficiency of rental properties).

• Treasury is the lead agency for Parliamentary Agreement 6.6 Conduct an assessment of a Sustainable Bonds scheme to fund sustainable infrastructure.

• The Improving sustainability through innovative finance initiative also contributes to delivering on the ACT Government’s climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

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QUESTION TIME BRIEF

Cleared as complete and accurate: 23/05/2018 Cleared by: Deputy Director-General Ext: 75001 Contact Officer Name: Peta Olesen Ext: 73423

Portfolios: Climate Change & Sustainability

ISSUE: New Interim Emission Reduction Targets

Talking points:

• On the 17 May I announced new emissions reduction targets for the ACT will be legislated.

• These interim targets will set a pathway to net zero emissions by 2045 (previously 2050). The interim targets are:

o 50-60% less than 1990 emissions by 30 June 2025;

o 65-75% less than 1990 emissions by 30 June 2030; and

o 90-95% less than 1990 emissions by 30 June 2040.

• These targets were recommended by the ACT Climate Change Council (the Council).

• These targets were tested with the community during public consultation for the ACT Government’s discussion paper ‘ACT’s Climate Strategy to a Net Zero Emissions Territory’. Public comments and submissions indicated strong support for setting interim targets, and no submissions asked for less ambitious targets.

• We have therefore listened to the community, industry and business, who have been calling for government leadership on the pathway to net zero emissions.

Benefits for the ACT of Adopting Interim Targets

• Interim targets provide certainty and direction to the community and industry about the pathway the ACT needs to follow in order to achieve net zero emissions.

• The setting of interim targets as a basis for short term policy action means changes in technology and science can be taken into account on a regular and consistent basis.

Costs of Achieving the New Targets

• Initial modelling suggests a 65% reduction in the ACT’s greenhouse gas emissions can be achieve by 2030 at a cost of $31.95 per tonne, or $5.8m. The modelling did not look at enough measures within the ACT to achieve the 75% target.

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QUESTION TIME BRIEF


• Actions included in the $5.8m are only those additional to actions which form BAU emission projections and therefore assumed in the modelling to be funded on an ongoing basis.

• Looking at the costs of climate change to 2030 (rather than 2045) has allowed for more rigorous figures to be used, particularly around energy pricing. There is greater uncertainty in looking at costs to 2045 (e.g. energy prices and new technology) so this has yet to be costed.

• The ACT has engaged with external consultants who have provided some high level, preliminary economic modelling of the costs of tackling climate change to 2030. The report is available on the ACT Government’s yoursay webpage: yoursay.act.gov.au.

• This work is an initial assessment, and we will be undertaking more detailed analysis of specific actions this year. Some figures (from the report) about some of the actions the ACT can take to tackle climate change:

o Electrifying the ACT’s bus fleet would have high operational cost savings.

o We are also working hard to make private electric vehicles more available to the ACT community (see the ACT Government’s new EV action plan).

o Adopting energy efficiencies to reduce emissions vary in cost. For example, replacing ducted gas heaters five years before their ‘end of life’ was modelled to have a welfare cost (i.e. the total cost to the ACT) of $12.82 per tCO2-e. On the other hand, retrofitting existing buildings was found to be a much higher investment. Retrofitting the ACT’s old housing stock may be more expensive, but has significant additional benefits including health and comfort for ACT residents.

o There is likely to be no to minimal additional cost to the ACT if it needs to contract for additional renewable electricity. This is because renewable electricity prices are likely to be similar to prices in the National Electricity Market. Forward prices in the 2030s will be set by lowest cost new entry technologies, which are currently solar and wind.

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QUESTION TIME BRIEF


How the ACT can Offset Costs

• Actions taken to tackle climate change have a range of benefits that may outweigh upfront investments. For example, some benefits may be decreased energy bills, improved health, reduced health expenditure and improved comfort within buildings. Actions that will reduce emissions will benefit many other areas of society.

• Because of this, it may be possible to offset the investment of tackling climate change.

• Our economic modelling included a quantum of benefits needed to be realised to offset the costs of tackling climate change to 2030. Some examples of these benefits include:

o 19.25 full time employees in the work place because they avoid sickness due to heat related illness or through improved health (e.g. through active travel);

o $17.31 million savings in health expenditure; and

o Improved productivity of the electricity network by $6.11 million.

Key Information

• The Council’s advice was based on:

o The latest scientific evidence of the impacts and risks of climate change both globally and in the ACT;

o The ambition to limit the impacts of climate change to a 2 degrees warming scenario;

o The latest information and analysis on the ACT’s emissions and technical options for emissions reductions; and

o The ACT’s ability to reduce emissions as a relatively prosperous and well-educated region.

• Adopting new emissions reduction targets has multiple benefits for the ACT community:

o Interim targets mean the community and industry have more opportunities to work with the ACT Government to develop strong climate change policy solutions.

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QUESTION TIME BRIEF


o Interim targets will help keep the ACT Government and with it the community and business sectors on track. The ACT community will be able to see how progress is being achieved, and advice Government on how to improve where progress is lagging.

o Adopting new targets show that the ACT is open for business for growing a clean economy. We have already seen over $500million in investment from the renewables auctions process; these new targets build on these successes.

• It is established in national and international best practice that acting and investing to mitigate climate change is less costly than delaying action.


• Emissions reduction targest are based off modelling that assume a base rate or reference case of emission reductions occur. This includes meeting mode shift targets, and the continuation of energy saving programs such as Actsmart and EEIS.

• There is also a level of natural change to lower emissions technologies built into the reference model. Therefore to achieve these target, new actions should be committed above what technology trends are expected, or that seek to bring forward the rate of these trends.

• There is a separate QTB on the economic modelling report

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QUESTION TIME BRIEF

Cleared as complete and accurate: 18/01/2018 Cleared by: Director-General Ext: x78359 Contact Officer Name: Simon Grice Ext: x53078 Lead Directorate: Environment, Planning and

Sustainable Development


ISSUE: Gas Meter Safety Policy (Internal Gas Meter Sets)

Talking points:

• The ACT Technical Regulator has raised concerns with Evoenergy regarding the potential safety risks associated with the installation of gas meter sets inside residential buildings, specifically apartments.

• The ACT Technical Regulator is concerned that there is no periodic inspection or maintenance of the majority of internal gas meter set installations. These matters were reported in the most recent Utilities Technical Regulation Annual Compliance Report 2016-17 that was released on 24 May 2018.

• There are between 1,300-1,400 internal gas meters in approximately 80 ACT apartment complexes.

• When installed in accordance with the Australian standards and the state and territory regulations applicable at the time of installation, the risk posed by these gas meter sets is very low.

• Gas meter sets installed within apartments are designed to operate without any form of utility intervention, inspection or maintenance for the term of their service life. The Evoenergy service life for these installations is 15 years.

• Evoenergy has advised the Technical Regulator that they are confident that the risk posed by these gas meter sets when installed in accordance with sound industry practice is low.

• In consultation with the ACT Technical Regulator, Evoenergy has begun a Proactive Safety Inspection program to inspect internal residential meter sets. The program is scheduled for completion by the end of 2018.

• Evoenergy has advised that to date there have been no reported incidents of gas meter leakage within an apartment (Will Yeap, Branch Manager, Gas Networks – 30 May 2018).

Key Information

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• Outcomes of Evoenergy’s Safety Inspection program will determine the future maintenance and inspection schedules for internal gas meter sets.

• The ACT Technical Regulator has sent a letter to Evoenergy confirming the Proactive Safety Inspection program next steps and associated timeframes.

• It is the responsibility of Evoenergy to determine how to manage any potential safety risk posed by internal gas meter sets. Evoenergy and the ACT Technical Regulator has established a reporting regime to better understand this program, which is scheduled for completion by the end of 2018.


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QUESTION TIME BRIEF



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QUESTION TIME BRIEF

Cleared as complete and accurate: 05/06/2018 Cleared by: Director Ext: 77533 Contact Officer Name: James Priestly Ext: 72092


ISSUE: ROOFTOP SOLAR PV PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY

Talking points:

• Recent media reporting has suggested that a significant proportion of small-scale solar systems inspected in Australia last year were determined to be‘substandard’, meaning they did not meet Australian requirements and mayprematurely fail.

• The ACT has a comprehensive inspection regime to ensure the safety andquality of rooftop solar installations. Since 2005, all new solar PVinstallations in the ACT have been subject to an electrical audit of thesystem by Access Canberra. This ensures that solar systems are safe andmeet the requirements of Australian Standards.

• Additionally, certain classes of buildings have further safety requirements.Solar PV installations on building classes 2 to 9 require both buildingapproval and development approval to ensure the physical safety of thesystems.

• To ensure the ongoing safety of solar installations, the ACT’s electricitydistribution network operator, Evoenergy, requires that solar inverters besubject to an anti-islanding test every five years. Anti-islanding tests are toprotect the customer’s equipment and to ensure anyone working on thenetwork during a blackout is not at risk of electric shock.

• The generation capacity of solar PV systems naturally degrades over time.This degradation is estimated to be around 0.4 percent each year, and isdependent on factors such as temperature. The generation capacity is alsoaffected by external factors such as the build-up of dirt on the panels.

• The degradation of generation capacity of solar PV was considered whenmodelling the ACT’s 100 percent by 2020 renewable electricity target, andtherefore will not impact the ACT’s ability to meet its target.

• The ACT has a comprehensive approach to the installation and testing ofrooftop solar systems to ensure systems are safe and reliable.

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QUESTION TIME BRIEF

Cleared as complete and accurate: 05/06/2018 Cleared by: Director Ext: 77533 Contact Officer Name: James Priestly Ext: 72092


• ACT Government supported large-scale solar generation provides 40 megawatts (MW) ofgeneration capacity in the ACT, and will meet around 2.4 percent of the ACT’s electricity demandin 2020.

• In the ACT there are around 18,000 small to medium scale solar PV installations, providingaround 65 MW of electricity generation. This includes around 10,394 systems installed under theACT’s Small and Medium Feed-in Tariff scheme, and around a further 7,774 systems installedunder retailer supported feed-in tariff schemes.

• The ACT has a comprehensive inspection program for solar PV installations, including theinspection of 100 percent of all new installations and an ongoing inspection regime that seessolar PV inverters inspected every five years to ensure the safety of the systems.

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QUESTION TIME BRIEF

Cleared as complete and accurate: 20/06/2018 Cleared by: Director Ext: 77533 Contact Officer: James Priestley Ext: 72092


ISSUE: ELECTRICITY AND GAS PRICES

Talking points:

Electricity price increase

• The Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) releasedits regulated retail electricity price decision on 7 June 2018.

• The ICRC’s final decision provides for an 14.29 per cent increase inActewAGL Retail’s regulated retail electricity tariffs from 1 July 2018.

• This increase translates to an annual electricity bill increase of $299 for atypical four person household (consuming 8,000 kWh). The annualelectricity bill for such a household was approximately $2,089 (includingGST) in 2017-18.

• Despite these increases, it is important to note ACT consumers continue tohave access to some of the lowest retail electricity prices in Australia.

• High wholesale electricity costs are the primary contributor towards thisincrease.

• The price increases are a direct outcome of the failure of the FederalGovernment to provide investor confidence in the sector meaning new,modern, low carbon generators are not being built as ageing coalgenerators retire.

• The ACT community isn’t the only one feeling this impact. Significantincreases in electricity prices similar to the ACT have also been observed inother parts of Australia.

• Following the ICRC’s announcement, ActewAGL Retail announced that itwould pass on the full increase.

• Origin Energy also announced on 5 June 2018 that there would be nochange in pricing for its ACT customers, with the company to absorb theprice rise.

• On 14 June 2018 ActewAGL Retail announced that all ACT residentialcustomers would be eligible for a 25 per cent discount off the electricityand gas usage market offer, however, this discount is only available for 12months, and only for customers who opt-in to pay by direct debit andreceive their bills electronically.

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QUESTION TIME BRIEF


Cost of the ACT’s climate change mitigation policies

• ACT Government climate change mitigation policies are expected tocontribute around $220 to the typical annual electricity bill of a four personhousehold in the ACT in 2018-19. This is based on the costs of the EnergyEfficiency Improvement Scheme (EEIS) and the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) schemes.

• Despite these costs, the ACT continues to have among the cheapestelectricity prices in Australia.

• The costs are offset by an average annual saving of around $250, or $5 perweek, for the over 70,000 households and businesses that have participatedin the EEIS.

• The EEIS is expected to contribute approximately $31 to the annualelectricity bill of a typical four person Canberra household in 2017-18. Thisis much lower than the expected annual average saving in 2020 of around$250 for participating households and businesses.

Cost of the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) schemes

• The ACT’s FiT schemes, which support investment in clean renewableelectricity, form the largest share of these costs.

• At present, the ACT’s large-scale FIT scheme adds 80 cents per week to theaverage household bill. As our renewable electricity percentage increases,this cost will rise modestly to $2.64 per week over the next year.

• These costs are forecast to peak below $4.90 per household per week in2020, and then decline in real terms.

• For the small and medium-scale FiT scheme the cost to consumers for 2016-17 was around 90 cents per week per average household.

• The Government has been very open about the costs of moving to 100 percent renewable electricity, and remains confident that these costs will beless than originally modelled in 2012.

• The contract mechanism the Government has used to secure large-scalerenewable electricity is helping offset the impact of rising wholesale costs.The ACT pays the difference between the feed-in tariff price and thewholesale market price. If wholesale prices rise, then ACT consumers pay asmaller feed-in tariff support payment.

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Action to reduce electricity price pressures

• The ACT Government is helping households and businesses to manage theirenergy costs.

• Eligible households in the ACT can apply for an annual rebate of up to $654to assist with utility bills, including water, gas and electricity.

• We provide comprehensive information, tools and programs to helphouseholds and businesses manage their energy costs and usage.Households and businesses can visit www.actsmart.act.gov.au or call13 22 81 for free information and advice on the energy savingsopportunities available.

• The Government has supported the establishment of an Energy ConsumerAdvocate, to provide the community with a voice in decision makingprocesses like the ICRC retail electricity price decision process.

• The ACT Government will continue to maintain price regulation on retailelectricity prices. Without this, we would have no basis to scrutinise andkeep a lid on the profit margin charged on retail electricity.

• The ACT Government is also investing in energy efficiency, which has neverbeen more cost effective for consumers. The Energy EfficiencyImprovement Scheme is saving participating households around $5 perweek on average, and it has a particular focus on energy savings in lowincome priority households.

• The ACT Government has made a contribution of $250,000 to theActewAGL Energy Support Fund, thereby ensuring up to $500,000 will beavailable to help consumers struggling with their energy bills.

o This fund is providing vouchers to community groups that provideemergency relief services, for distribution to vulnerable Canberransto help with their energy bills.

o As at 30 April 2018, approximately 1816 vouchers have been issued.Care Financial Counselling Service has been the largest issuer ofvouchers to date.

Rising gas prices

• Unlike retail electricity prices, retail gas prices are not regulated in the ACT.Last year ActewAGL Retail announced that its residential gas prices wouldincrease by 17.3 per cent.

• This meant that a typical household consuming 43 gigajoules (GJ) of gasfrom ActewAGL Retail saw their annual gas bill rise by approximately $250.

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• The increase in gas prices is driven by rising wholesale gas costs. These costshave almost doubled over the past year driven by rising gas exports fromthe east coast of Australia.

• Using the threat of gas export controls, the Commonwealth Governmenthas secured agreement from major gas producers to ensure sufficient gassupply is made available to domestic consumers to avoid the risk of a gassupply shortfall in 2018.

• Prices are also being exacerbated by a lack of competition betweensuppliers and pipeline operators. The COAG Energy Council has initiated arange of reforms to ensure efficient prices flow through to customers.

Key Information

The Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) released its retail electricity pricing decision for 2018-19 on 7 June 2017. This decision applies to regulated retail electricity tariffs offered by ActewAGL Retail from 1 July 2018.

As retail gas prices are not regulated in the ACT, suppliers are able to set their prices according to market conditions. Last year, ActewAGL Retail announced an increase in residential gas prices of 17.3 per cent.

The Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act 2010, commits the Territory to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 40 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020. To achieve these reductions, the ACT Government set a target to secure 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2020. The switch to renewable electricity is projected to account for over 90 per cent of emission reductions by 2020. The cost of these policies is passed on to consumers via electricity bills.

Note: The annual consumption of a typical four person household in the ACT is 7.441 megawatt hours (Source: Australian Energy Regulator), which has been used to calculate the cost of the ACT’s renewable energy policies. However, as noted above, the ICRC report uses 8 megawatt hours as the average annual consumption.


Opportunities to mitigate costs

There are many ways in which the ACT Government is supporting households and businesses to manage their energy usage and costs.

• Ask for advice through the Actsmart Sustainable Home Advice line. Call 1300 141 777 oremail [email protected].

• Get an energy assessment, including education and draught proofing through the ActsmartHome Energy Efficiency Program run through St Vincent de Paul. Contact St Vincent de Paul on6234 7408 or [email protected].

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• Attend a workshop on heating and cooling homes efficiently, do it yourself draught proofing andmore. See actsmart.act.gov.au/news-and-events.

• Borrow an energy kit from public libraries across the ACT to check your home. The kit haseverything you need to assess your current energy and water usage. For more information, callAccess Canberra on 13 22 81.

• Get an energy concession through the Utilities Concession Scheme for low income households.Eligible households include Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card holders, Low Income HealthCare Card holders, Veteran’s Affairs Pensioner Concession Card holders or Gold Card holders.For more information, contact your energy provider. Once people know what they need to do tosave energy, the following options are available through government programs.

• The Actsmart Solar for Low Income program provides a subsidy of up to 60% off the total cost ofa rooftop solar system, as well as an interest free loan to pay off the remaining costs. ContactActsmart on 13 22 81 or [email protected].

• Low income households can receive thousands off the purchase price to upgrade old, inefficientheating systems to a high efficiency fixture through the Energy Efficiency improvement Scheme(EEIS). For more information please contact ActewAGL Energy Shop on 62800994 or ClimateMaster on 62281126.

• The No Interest Loans Scheme, can provide $300 for energy efficient refrigerators, $200 forfreezers, and $500 for split systems as well as $200 for a limited number of washing machines.To find out more, call Care Financial Services on 02 6257 1788 or The Salvation Army on 0437723 863.

• A program is underway to replace 200 old, inefficient heaters in public housing with highefficiency systems is underway. This aims to significantly reduce energy costs for public housingtenants. This program will be delivered to pre-selected Housing ACT premises as part of a trial.For more information, please contact Housing ACT on 02 6207 9183.

• Businesses can save up to 60% on lighting electricity bills through energy efficient lightingupgrades. Free or substantially discounted lighting upgrades are available through the ActewAGLBig Business Light Switch.

• Rebates of up to $5,000 are available through the Business Energy and Water Program to eligibleACT businesses wanting to upgrade to more water-efficient and energy-efficient technologies.Call 13 22 81 or email [email protected]

People who are having trouble paying bills can access financial support:

• Access an annual rebate of up to $654 is available to help eligible customers with utility bills,including water, sewage, gas and electricity. This utilities concession is for both home owners andrenters who hold eligible concession cards.

• ActewAGL’s Energy Support Fund provides direct support through a system of vouchers to assistvulnerable customers with their energy bills. The vouchers are distributed by community groupsthat provide emergency relief services. The fund includes contributions of $250,000 by both theACT Government and ActewAGL. For more information, please contact ActewAGL 1300 136 008.

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Cleared as complete and accurate: 23/05/2018 Cleared by: Deputy Director-General Ext: 75001 Contact Officer: Antonio Mozqueira Ext: 54820


ISSUE: CSIRO CANBERRA URBAN HEAT REPORT AND LIVING INFRASTRUCTURE INFORMATION PAPER

Talking points:

• The four main impacts from climate change in our region are heatwaves,storms with flash flooding, droughts and bushfires. Understanding theseextremes better will enable actions to be taken to reduce the Territory’svulnerability to risks.

• The CSIRO was engaged to investigate Canberra city locations whereheatwave conditions may be exacerbated due to poor area design that trapheat and/or lack of cooling features such as trees and green spaces. Theirreport was completed in December 2017 and it identifies where and whyCanberra has urban heat problems.

• Increasing the shade from trees is a cost effective way to cool the city, andtogether with urban design that helps retain some of the stormwater tosupport greenery before it gets into the stormwater drain will both helpreduce flash flooding and help drought proof the landscape.

• The vegetation, water and healthy soils of our urban forest, lakes,waterways and suburban gardens, is our living infrastructure, the legacy ofour first 100 years. As the city grows and changes in our second century,incorporating living infrastructure into all parts of the city, is very importantto make our city more resilient to climate impacts.

• Continuing investment in living infrastructure is essential for a liveable city.Options to further develop our living infrastructure will form part of thenew climate change strategy. Canberrans are encouraged to take part in thedevelopment of the strategy, which is open for consultation until 9 April2018.

Key Information

On 28 February two documents ‘Mapping surface urban heat in Canberra’ a report by CSIRO and ‘Living Infrastructure Information Paper’ by the ACT Government were released, as background information as part of community engagement on the ACT’s Climate Strategy to a Net Zero Emissions Territory (new climate strategy).

The ACT Climate Change Adaptation Strategy – Living With a Warming Climate (the Adaptation Strategy) was released on 8 August 2016. Action #15 is developing a Living Infrastructure Plan by end 2018.

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ISSUE: NET ZERO EMISSIONS ECONOMIC MODELLING

Talking points:

• Economic modelling was commissioned to provide initial costing ofmeasures to achieve the pathway to net zero emissions by 2050 at thelatest.

• The Climate Strategy Economic Modelling Report was released on1 March 2018 and is available on the Yoursay website.

• The report focuses on emissions reductions and costings to 2030 only, toensure the rigor of the information especially regarding prices for theenergy sector.

• It provides two types of costing for consideration:

o The Private cost of action – i.e. the cost to the entity pursuing themeasure; and

o The Welfare cost – i.e. the economy wide cost, quantified througha CGE analysis assessing all costs and benefits across the territory.

• Costs are expressed in dollars per tonne of carbon abatement. Totals aregiven to achieve the abatement required for the 2030 target range of65-75 percent below 1990 levels.

• Modelling of emissions reduction measures indicate potential forsufficient abatement to meet the 65 percent target at an averagewelfare cost of $32 per tonne.

• However the welfare cost of individual measures required ranges from -$45 per tonne (a net benefit/saving) for ACT Government investment inelectric vehicles to $352 per tonne for sequestration from the urbanforest in 2030.

• Modelled measures included supporting electric vehicle charginginfrastructure, replacement of gas heaters with electric or heat pump,building standard changes, retrofits, and increasing public transport use.

• The 75% target could not be reached by the modelled abatementoptions alone. Reaching the 75 percent target has an average welfarecost of $126 per tonne if including the more costly option of buildingretrofits first, then meeting the balance with land based sequestration.

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• Applying a social cost of carbon to the measures modelled reduces eachmeasure by $74 per tonne of abatement. This makes most measurescost neutral or cost saving when considering the global impact of carbondioxide.

• Abatement costs are important but should not be considered the solecriterion for measure selection. Some measures have high abatementcosts but potentially significant co-benefits and adaptation benefits.

• It may be possible to make the economy wide cost of action to reduceemissions cost neutral through avoided costs achieved by co-benefits ofactions. These include avoided health costs, or less strain on theelectricity network.

• However, it is difficult to cost climate adaptation and other co-benefitsof actions. Therefore it is recommended to develop methods so thesecan be quantified and assessed.

• Some actions have both mitigation and adaptation benefits – such astree planting to reduce urban heat island effects, which also sequesterscarbon. Benefits resulting from mitigation measures that happen toimprove community capacity and resilience are defined as co-benefits.

• This information will be used in the assessment of policy options to beprogressed further in the development of a draft climate strategy.

Key Information

• Energetics with Cadence Economics conducted the modelling between November2017 and February 2018.

• The 65% emissions reduction target set by the ACT Climate Change Council can bemet at an average economy wide cost of $32 per tonne by 2030, or $5.8 million.

• It is important for economy-wide abatement costings to account for adaptation andco-benefits such as health improvements, presenteeism, insurance savings, waterand electricity network efficiencies. The true cost of abatement is therefore oftenable to be lower and could be made net neutral.

• Recommendations and key findings from the Report include:

o Priority areas for future research on costing health benefits, industry learningrates especially for building efficiency, and impacts of building efficiency onthe electricity network.

o Highest priority of policy development should be on facilitation of electricvehicle uptake including e-buses.

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o The further development of ACT’s transport strategy to have targets andambitions well beyond the current Transport for Canberra.

• The modelling was completed on best available data, and is based on the technicalemissions modelling completed for the Climate Strategy Discussion Paper.

• To ensure number are rigorous, only those options with substantial costinginformation were modelled, based on historic and professionally projected costs.


• This report does not provide a detailed cost benefits analysis for government onparticular policy actions. Progression of preferred measures based in this initialinformation would require further costing and detailed assessment through aregulatory impact statement.

• Some measures have low direct abatement costs but significant economicimplications, and may therefore face challenges in translation to policy andimplementation. For example, more stringent standards for building energyperformance could have a number of flow-on impacts, depending on how they areimplemented: on the cost of housing construction, which is a major economic driver,or on the location of housing construction, which could leak to neighbouringjurisdictions with lower standards.

• There was a significant lack of data regarding transport mode shift actions andcostings. Therefore this report does not cost dramatic changes to the distribution oftransport mode use across the Territory. Climate Change Policy are aware throughthe technical modelling that mode shift away from private vehicle use is a primarydriver of emissions reductions without the need to invest in new technology.

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Cleared as complete and accurate: 04/06/2018 Cleared by: Deputy Director-General Ext: 75001 Contact Officer: Ros Malouf Ext: 75335


ISSUE: SOLAR FOR LOW INCOME PROGRAM

Talking points:

• The program was launched to the public on 19 December 2017 at the site ofthe first rooftop solar installation.

• There has been significant interest in the program with 325 householdersregistered. Of these, 249 participants have been referred to ActewAGL and129 installations completed.

• A waiting list is being kept for interested home owners to be included inround two.

• Eligibility for the first round is open to Australian Government PensionerConcession card holders who own their home and do not already haverooftop solar.

• Due to the high demand from residents who meet these requirements it isunlikely that these criteria will be changed for future rounds.

• Most households will receive a partial subsidy of up to 60% (capped at$3,000) for the supply and installation of a rooftop solar system (includingthe costs of necessary upgrades to power meters and switchboards).

• There will be a limited number of full subsidy installations (20 in the firstround) which will be focussed on vulnerable households, including those onlife support/essential medical equipment. Availability of the full subsidies isnot being advertised to the public but are being identified throughconsultation with ACAT and ActewAGL hardship program.

• The majority of systems that are being installed are 4.8kW systems. The sizeof the system installed is determined by a cost benefit analysis for eachparticipant.

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Key Information

The Actsmart Solar for Low Income Program has received $2 million in funding over four years in 2016/17 budget to provide greater support to eligible ACT households to invest in rooftop solar panels to help reduce their energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.


• The Actsmart Solar for Low Income Program received budget funding of$2 million over four years, officially launched by the former Minister for the Environment andClimate Change, Simon Corbell, on 20 July 2016.

• Following policy and program development an open tender process was undertaken in August2017. ActewAGL were the successful respondent, with a contract awarded in December 2017.

• While there has been a large uptake of residential solar energy within the ACT, low-incomehouseholds without access to the initial capital to purchase and install equipment are often notable to take advantage of this technology. The Solar for Low Income Program has been designedto remove the cost barriers and enable uptake by some of the most vulnerable in the ACTcommunity and therefore most affected by both energy price increases and weather extremes.

• This program will be delivered through a combination of a generous subsidy of up to 60%(capped at $3,000) as well as the option for householders to access an interest free loan to payoff the remaining costs. The program has been designed so that a majority of households whotake advantage of the interest free loan. Most participants are expected to save more money offtheir electricity bill as a result of their new solar system compared to their loan repayments. Ithas been estimated that households will save approximately $300-$900 per year.

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ISSUE: COMMUNITY ZERO EMISSIONS GRANTS PROGRAM

Talking points:

• The Community Zero Emissions Grants Program (the Grants) provides$550,000 over four years to eligible community groups and individualsfor innovative projects, initiatives and programs which will assist theACT’s transition to net zero emissions by 2045.

• Up to $25,000 (excluding GST) will be available to eligible individualapplicants and up to $50,000 (excluding GST) for joint applications.

• The Grants supports locally based, community driven projects whichencourage real change in ACT communities.

• Round Two of the Grants was opened by Minister Rattenbury onMonday 23 April 2018 with applications closing Sunday 17 June 2018.

• Two information sessions were held to provide further advice andinformation to interested community organisations.

• In Round One, 19 grant applications were received and assessed by theevaluation panel.

• The panel agreed on six applications who received between $21,550 to$25,000 in grant funding.

• The projects which received funding for Round One are detailed below:

o The Neighbourhood Effect received $25,000 to develop a free,interactive smartphone app and website to encourage the use ofsustainable lifestyle habits, products and initiatives.

o Canberra Environment Centre received $24,200 to purchase asolar powered composter to service the Acton community’scomposting needs.

o Woden Community Service received $23,000 to train youngpeople to fix and build bicycles which will then be donated todisadvantaged members of the community.

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o SEE-Change received $22,160 to engage project home buildersand developers to build more sustainably and promote living witha smaller environmental footprint.

o Australian Dance Party received $21,550 to change perceptionsand behaviours through a dance, short film and communityawareness campaign.

o OZ Harvest received $25,000 to expand their Food Rescueprogram, increasing their capacity to store and redistribute up to60,000 kilograms of quality surplus food. This will contribute tothe diversion of food from landfill with an estimated reduction ofapproximately 120 tonnes of CO2-e.

• The total amount of grant funding provided for Round One was$140,910.

• The panel agreed that it would be more beneficial to use the remaining$9,090 for the next round of grants as opposed to partially fundinganother grant in Round One.

• Unions ACT were successful in winning a grant, however they have sincewithdrawn their application.

• During the assessment phase the evaluation panel identified additionalsuitable applicants and subsequently Oz Harvest were offered andaccepted a grant in lieu of Unions ACT.

• The evaluation panel for Round One was made up of four individuals:o Dr Penny Sackett, Council Deputy Chair, Climate Change Councilo Stephen Bygrave, (previous) Executive Director, Climate Change

and Sustainability, EPSDDo Emma Humphreys, Manager Low Income and Community

Programs, EPSDDo Anna McGuire, Policy Officer, Climate Change, EPSDD

• A/g Director General EPSDD, Dave Peffer, was the delegate for RoundOne of the Program.

• The attached table has been updated to include the period 1 July 2017to 23 April 2018.

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• The results from desktop evaluation of Round One informed thedevelopment of Round Two.

Key Information

The Community Zero Emissions Grants Program was announced on 25 May 2017 by Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability Shane Rattenbury. The grants meet a Government commitment to support the community’s transition to net zero emissions by 2045 at the latest. On 1 November 2017 Minister Rattenbury announced the six projects which were successful in securing funding for Round One of the Grants. Round Two is open to applications from 23 April 2018 to 17 June 2018.


• The Grants are delivered through annual targeted rounds. Up to $150,000 was allocated forRound One in 2017/18 to support on-the-ground actions across the energy, buildings,transport, land use and waste sectors. Support was also available for projects that engageand educate the wider community about how they can reduce their own emissionsfootprint.

• The Community Zero Emissions Grants Program is designed to fund projects and activitiesthat will:

o assist the community transition to net zero emissions;o develop and implement innovative solutions across the community to reduce

greenhouse gas emissions;o generate new knowledge or information to facilitate local solutions to transition to

zero emissions; ando develop innovative solutions to engage the community on zero emissions.

• The Program supports Parliamentary Agreement Item 6.1 on the target of net zero emissionsby 2050 at the latest.

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Actsmart Household Programs - Community Zero Emissions Grants Program

Program Purpose 2016/17 Outputs 2017/18 Outputs (as at 23 April 2018)

Community Zero Emissions Grants Program

The Community Zero Emissions Grants Program is designed to fund projects and activities that will:

• assist the community transition to netzero emissions.

• develop and implement innovativesolutions across the community toreduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• generate new knowledge or informationto facilitate local solutions to transition tozero emissions.

• develop innovative solutions to engagethe community on zero emissions.

The Community Zero Emissions Grants Program was announced on 25 May 2017 by Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability Shane Rattenbury.

• 19 applications were received forRound One of the Grant program.

• Six projects were approved for fundingand have executed Deeds for RoundOne of the Program.

• Funding for the successful projectstotals $140,910.

• The Minister for Climate Change andSustainability Shane Rattenburyannounced that Round Two of theCommunity Zero Emissions GrantsProgram is open for applications on 23April 2018.

• $150,000 will be available to fundprojects in Round Two.

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Cleared as complete and accurate: 04/06/2018 Cleared by: Deputy Director-General Ext: 75001 Contact Officer: Antonia Harmer Ext: 70249


ISSUE: EEIS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES SUPPORTING THE ACT COMMUNITY

Talking points:

• The Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme (EEIS) runs through until theend of 2020 with new activities for businesses and households beingphased in.

• The 20 per cent Priority Household Target has been retained for 2018.

• ActewAGL is continuing to provide households and businesses with arange of EEIS activities to help manage their energy consumption. Theseinclude the Big Business Light Switch program, ActewAGL’s FridgeBuyback scheme and new rebates to replace poor performing gas roomheaters with high efficiency electric reverse cycle air conditioners.

• ActewAGL has notified the EEIS Administrator of their plans to commencenew water heating activities, which consist of replacing gas and electricresistance water heaters with high efficient hot water heat pumps.

• EEIS activities that save gas reduce more greenhouse gas emissions thanthose that only target electricity savings. All EEIS activities arecontributing to the ACT's goal of net zero emissions by 2050, at the latest.

• The EEIS is a key mechanism for delivering on the ACT’s 40% emissionreduction target by 2020 as it meets the strategic priority of helpinghouseholds and businesses reduce emissions and electricity costs.

• EPSDD and CSD have commenced a joint initiative in November 2017,which had installed high efficient reverse-cycle air conditioners in 228public housing homes in its first six months. This initiative helps lowincome households reduce energy use, bills and emissions by replacingold, inefficient heaters with high efficiency systems. This will significantlyreduce energy costs for some of ACT’s most vulnerable households andhelp them adapt to a changing climate.

• A Regulation commenced on 1 January 2018 to expand the classes ofpriority households. Holders of an expanded range of concession cards,tenanted public houses and not-for profit community, disability and aged

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care housing all qualify as priority households. Referral agencies including the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Care Inc, St Vincent de Paul Society and the Salvation Army can also classify and refer people to ActewAGL, as priority householders.

• Targeted consultation is underway on a risk review towards codes ofpractice for proposed new insulation activities, including ceiling,underfloor and wall insulation. Activities to support heating, ventilationand air conditioning activities in businesses are also being developed.

• An independent review of the EEIS is underway to determine how wellthe EEIS is working, to what extent it has achieved its statutory objectivesso far, whether it remains appropriate for the future and how it could beimproved. Point Advisory are undertaking the review and stakeholdershave contributed through workshops, focus groups, individual interviews,surveys and direct feedback.

• Since the EEIS started in 2013, more than 71,000 households andbusinesses have participated in the Scheme, including more than 18,000priority low income households.

• Over 1.2 million energy saving items have been installed to date underthe EEIS, saving hundreds of thousands of tonnes of greenhouse gasemissions and $240 million off households and businesses’ energy bills.

• Over 1,600 Canberra businesses received over 140,000 energy efficientlamps to date which can save up to 60% of business lighting energy bills.

• Energy efficiency savings are estimated to be $5.00 per week forparticipating households.

• Over 50 Canberra suburbs have participation rates in the EEIS of 30% orhigher.

• As a result of the current programs being undertaken by ActewAGL underthe EEIS, it is estimated that over 30 fulltime equivalent staff andcontractors are currently used to deliver energy efficiency programs,including local electricians and plumbers.

• Since the EEIS inception in 2013, there were 86 Induction Trainingsessions, attended by more than 500 installers, most of them from localcompanies.

Key Information

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The Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme (EEIS) requires electricity retailers to achieve energy savings in households and small-to-medium enterprises. The Scheme also provides targeted assistance to low income households through a 20% Priority Household Target.


• The Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme (EEIS) was established under the EnergyEfficiency (Cost of Living) Improvement Act 2012 and began on 1 January 2013 and iscurrently legislated until December 2020.

• The Act sets a Territory-wide energy savings target and obligates ACT electricityretailers to meet an individual Retailer Energy Savings Obligation by undertakingactivities in households or small-to-medium enterprises. Smaller Tier 2 retailers canachieve their obligation by paying an ‘Energy Savings Contribution’.

• Energy Australia was the only Tier 2 retailer which delivered activities during the 2017compliance period. All other Tier 2 retailers opted to pay an ‘Energy SavingsContribution’ in lieu of undertaking activities to meet their 2017 compliance periodobligations. Energy Savings Contributions offset the cost of administering the EEIS andfund complementary programs such as Actsmart Energy Programs and Solar for LowIncome Households.

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ISSUE: SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMS

Talking points:

• The Actsmart Business Sustainability Awards breakfast held on May 24,2018was attended by over 160 members from ACT businesses and communityorganisations. The Actsmart team received 68 applications for the 10awards which were presented to the winners and highly commended byMinister Rattenbury.

• Funding for the energy related programs has been appropriated from theEnergy Efficiency Improvement Scheme (EEIS) – Tier 2 funding until June2018. Funding for non-energy programs is received through budgetappropriation until June 2018.

• The Actsmart programs are regularly evaluated to ensure they remainrelevant and do not overlap with other programs offered by industry orother government agencies. Currently, five Actsmart Programs are beingevaluated by an external evaluation contractor. The evaluations areexpected to identify the strengths and gaps within the programs to informcontinuous improvement and future development opportunities.

• The use of social media via Facebook and Twitter was introduced inMay 2015 and has created new avenues for the community to accessinformation and engage on sustainability and climate change matters.Engagement has increased steadily through this cost effective engagementchannel.

• The Community Zero Emissions Grants were launched April 23, 2018 withtwo information sessions to assist Community Organisations to applying fora grant.

• Since March 2018, Actsmart Schools has delivered three workshops,Engaging Students Through food Gardens, the Senior Student Eco Tour, andDelivering Sustainability through the Curriculum, which attracted 135participants representing 27 schools. Media attended the Senior StudentEco Tour and it was featured on WIN News.

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• Actsmart Schools gave a presentation about the program to 80 visitingdeputy principals from South Korea. The presentation was so well receivedthat it will now be given to an additional group of deputy principals.

• The Actsmart Carbon Challenge secondary schools competition is occurringbetween the 1 and 29 July, 2018. Schools have been contacted to register.

• The Actsmart Sustainable Home Advice service has trialled providing inhome advice to participants. To date 66 households have had in homeadvice using word of mouth as the only promotion.

• In response to an article in the Canberra Weekly on the 5 April 2018 “Woodheater installations on the rise” claiming firewood is cheaper, researchindicated it costs approximately $1000 for firewood for a 3-4 month period.This compares to typical annual bills of approximately $1600 for electricityand $1100 for gas.

Program Statistics

• The table attached provides details of Actsmart programs, their purposeand delivery mechanism and participation levels.

• Statistics in the table are updated quarterly. The attached table has beenupdated to include the period 1 July 2017 to 31 March 2018.

Key Information

EPSDD delivers ten major sustainability programs under the Actsmart banner across the household, low income household, business, schools and community sectors.


Actsmart programs are supported by the ACT Government’s Sustainability Hub – the Actsmart website. The Actsmart website, launched in February 2015, delivers information and advice on how Canberrans can take action via community sectors i.e. Households, Business, Schools and Community.

The Actsmart website is designed to be a one-stop shop for sustainability for the community making information simple and encouraging action.

The Actsmart programs are also supported via social media including Facebook and Twitter. Event details and good news stories from Actsmart businesses, schools and residents are promoted and shared using social media.

The Actsmart programs are supported by key events throughout the year including:

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• The Annual Business Sustainability Awards (Awards) recognise the sustainability contributions ofActsmart businesses and public event holders and has been running since 2010. This year’sevent is the 9th year with more than 160 business clients attending with 10 awards presentedfrom over 68 nominations. This year’s event was held on Thursday 24 May 2018.

• The Annual Business Sustainability Expo provides businesses and public event organiserswith a holistic approach to sustainability, with exhibitors showcasing the latest productsand services to assist with energy and water efficiency and better waste management.The Expo has been running since 2012 and has the Canberra Business Chamber as apartner. The 2017 Expo was held in September 2017, had almost 400 attendees and wasour most successful Expo to date. This year’s event will be held on Thursday 13September 2018.

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Actsmart Household Programs

Program Purpose 2016/17 Outputs 2017/18 Outputs (as at 21 June 2018)

Low Income Home Energy Efficiency Program

• To assist low income households in the ACT toimprove the energy efficiency of their homes,reduce their energy and water consumption,reduce their energy and water bills, andcontribute to reducing greenhouse gasemissions.

• 1271 low income householdsassisted.

• 567 in home energy assessmentsand draught proofing.

• 704 people assisted throughworkshops/education sessions.

• 88 No Interest Loan Schemesubsidies to 74 applicants (somereceived more than one subsidy).

Savings:

• Energy: 328 MWh annual savings.Greenhouse gas emissions: 132 tCO2 –e annual savings (not includingsavings from behaviour changefollowing householdereducation).*These figures are basedon a combination of electricity andgas savings which have differentemission factors.

• A total of 1414 households have beenassisted.

• 553in home energy assessments anddraught proofing.

• 861people assisted throughworkshops/education sessions.

• 62No Interest Loan Scheme subsidies to54 applicants (some received more thanone subsidy).

• 10620 low income households assistedby the Low-Income program (formerlyOutreach) since the programscommenced in 2010.

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Low Income Split Systems • The split system program is delivered by acontractor to low income households to enablethem to switch to more energy efficient splitsystems.

• Energy Efficient Split systems (80 units in2016/17) are provided to eligible residentsafter St Vincent de Paul (SVDP) has conducted ahome assessment.

• 94 split systems installed.

Savings:

• Energy: 763 MWh annual savings.• Greenhouse gas emissions: 230 t

CO2 –e annual savings.*These figures are based on acombination of electricity and gassavings which have different emissionfactors.

• 98 split systems have been installed.

Curtain Program • The current curtain program is being deliveredthrough St Vincent de Paul’s volunteerprogram.

• Eligible households receive up to two sets ofcurtains in the main living area to reduce heatloss through windows, and improve privacy andcomfort.

• ACT Government support is through purchasingthe material while St Vincent de Paul sourcesvolunteers to make and install the curtains.

• 163 curtains were installed from 1July 2016 to 30 June 2017.

• Curtains have been installed in163households.

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Solar for Low Income • Funding of $2 million over four years wasappropriated in the 2016/17 budget.

• Provides financial assistance for low incomehouseholds to install solar panels to maintainequity as energy prices increase and to removebarriers for low income households to benefitfrom household solar.

• Program was not operating in2016/17

• The program was launched on 19 Dec2017.

• Systems Installed: 179• Program is almost fully subscribed for

2017/18 and 2018/19. Alternativefunding may be sourced to meet thehigh demand.

Refer to Solar for Low Income program QTB for further information

Wood Heater Replacement Program

• Reduces winter air pollution from wood smokeby offering a financial incentive for replacing anold wood heater with new mains suppliednatural gas heating.

• Program has run since 2004 with gas subsidyoffered by ActewAGL.

• The option of installation of high efficiencyelectric heating was funded by EEIS Tier 2 funds(as a trial) in November 2015.

• Option for a $100 rebate to support householdswith the cost of removal of wood heaterwithout replacement has been added to theprogram.

• 1,114 households have received rebates overthe life of the program (2004 – 2016).

• 66 applications received.• 49 applications for new systems

approved.• 9 applications for wood heater only

removal approved.• 24 rebates claimed including 9

electric, 13 gas and 2 removal only.

• 39 new applications received so far thisfinancial year.

• 25 rebates have been paid this financialyear. Eight of these were fromapplications received in 16/17 FY.

• 5 rebates for wood heater removal.• 12 rebates for space split system.• 7 rebates for ducted split system.• 1 rebate for gas.• Gas heating systems ineligible for rebate

as of 30 June, 2017, with a grace periodto the end of December 2017 to claim.

Actsmart Sustainable Home Advice

• A free service providing independent expertenergy efficiency advice to Canberrahouseholds via an email service, telephone and

• Advice provided through 355phone/email enquiries.

• 264 phone/email enquiries (131 simple,133 complex).

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face to face at public events and workshop delivery.

• The service helps residents be morecomfortable in their homes while savingenergy, money and helping the environment.

• 1,376 people engaged throughworkshops and events.

• 34 user pay home assessments.

• 43 events/workshops have been heldincluding topics such as ‘UnderstandingSolar’, ‘Draught Proofing’, ‘EfficientHeating’ and representations atsustainability events.

• 1457 people engaged throughworkshops and events.

• 76 home assessments conducted.• Italian Senior Carers Group – 16 people• Spanish Language Group – 16 people• Asian friendship Group – 25• Arabic and Dari - 25

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Actsmart Carbon Challenge • Established in 2015, the Carbon Challenge is anonline tool to get Canberrans involved inbecoming more sustainable at home.

• Individuals can self nominate in challenges over6 focus areas including energy, waste, water,transport, food and community.

• Emission savings/badges earned for completedchallenges.

• ‘ACT Primary Schools CarbonChallenge’ campaign began inAugust 2016.

• Students competed in threedifferent challenges to earnemissions savings for their schoolgroup. These included:• Peg it out – hang out the washing

rather than use the dryer• Heater Savvy – maintain home

heating between 18-20 degrees• Feeling Seedy – grow your own

herb garden.• Over 1,500 students/households

participated in the challenge.• This campaign saved approximately

2,290 tonnes of CO2 emissionscollectively across 22 schools;equivalent to taking 618 cars off theroad for a year.

• 3161 registered users for the CarbonChallenge.

• 2018 campaign, the Actsmart CarbonChallenge Secondary SchoolsCompetition, will run from 1-29 July. 12schools have registered to participate inthe competition. So far, 30 householdshave registered and joined their schoolteam.

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Actsmart Business Programs


Actsmart Business Recycling program

• Provides advice, and support via education,stickers, signage and accreditation to thebusiness and office sector to assist inimplementing waste reduction and increaserecycling aimed at reducing waste to landfilland CO2 emissions.

• Program is delivered on a cost recovery basisvia a cross border agreement withQueanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council.

• 910 sites signed up to the program.• 439 accredited sites.

Savings from accredited sites:

• 15,380 m3 of mixed recyclablesdiverted from landfill.

• 16,860 m3 of paper and cardboarddiverted from landfill.

• 1,693 m3 of organic materialdiverted from landfill.

• Emission savings: 6,383 t CO2-e(based on above figures).

• 1007 sites signed to the program as at21 June.

• 533 accredited sites as at 21 June.

Note: Queanbeyan statistics:

• 66 sites signed up• 40 sites accredited.

Actsmart Public Event program

• Provides advice to Public Event holders toassist in implementing recycling at theirpublic event.

• Program was expanded in 2015 to includeadvice and guides for event holders inbroader sustainability including energy,water and transport options.

• 70 events with over one millionvisitors.

• Events included Floriade, NationalMulticultural Festival, fetes andfestivals.

Savings:

• 46,789 kg of mixed recyclingcollected.

• 10,804 kg organic waste divertedfrom landfill.

• Emission savings: 76 t CO2-e.

• 201 events held from 1 July 2017 to 21June 2018.

Savings:

• 77,123 kg of mixed recycling collected.• 2,107 kg organic waste diverted from

landfill.

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Actsmart Business Energy and Water program

• Provides advice and financial assistance forefficiency upgrades to small businesses in theACT to assist in reducing energy and waterconsumption.

• Offers onsite energy and water assessmentand tailored energy and water action plan,with recommendations for efficiencyupgrades.

• A $5,000 rebate is available on a 50/50 costsharing basis to assist businesses with costsof efficiency upgrades.

• 682 businesses have participated to the EoFY2016/17, with 357 claiming the rebate.

• Estimated lifetime energy savings from theupgrades installed since programcommencement to EoFY 2016/17 are 40,080MWh, equivalent to the energy used by5,482 houses a year.

• 204 businesses received anassessment, with 131 sites receivinga rebate in the financial year.

Annual savings (estimates for 131 sites who completed retrofits):

• Energy savings: 1,601 MWh.• Business energy bills savings:

$352,200.• Total emission saving: 1,124 t

CO2 –e.

• 125 businesses received an assessmentand 69 have received a rebate from 1July 2017 to 21 June 2018.

Annual Savings (estimates for 69 sites who completed retrofits for period 1 July 2017 - 21 June 2018)

• Energy savings: 571 MWh.• Business energy bills savings: $129,100.• Total emission saving: 257t CO2 –e.

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Actsmart Medium Business Lighting Efficiency Webtool

• Provides businesses with a fast, easy to useself help method for determining what LEDlights can be used to replace existinginefficient lighting.

• This tool was developed to support mediumbusiness but is suitable for use by allbusinesses.

• The Webtool provides estimated capitalcosts and anticipated dollar savings based onACT data from LED light upgrades, giving asimple payback period (in years) from theupgrades.

• The Webtool was launched on 1September 2016.

• The Webtool has 9 categories oflights with 22 different lighting typesin total.

• Interest has been received by otherstates in acquiring this tool for use intheir states.

• 74 businesses have used the Webtoolto evaluate lighting upgradeopportunities from 1 July 2017 to 21June 2018.

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Actsmart Schools Program


Actsmart Schools Program • 100% of schools (public, private andindependent) in the ACT are signed to theprogram.

• Assists schools to: reduce ecologicalfootprint; educate for sustainability throughthe curriculum; develop a long-term, wholeschool approach to addressing sustainability;and implement sustainable managementpractices into everyday school operations.

• Schools receive assistance to conduct water,waste and energy audits, a guide toimplement actions, then follow-up audits torecord reductions in usage.

• Offers ACT Teacher Quality Instituteaccredited professional developmentactivities to Teachers, Facilities Managers,and Senior Students.

• Collects and records baseline data fromaudits on a database for monitoring andreporting progress.

• Accredits schools that reduce energy andwater consumption and waste to landfill;manage school grounds/biodiversitysustainably and integrate sustainability intothe curriculum.

• Provides assistance in the delivery of theEducation Directorate’s - ACT EducationEnergy Program.

• Five schools received ‘5 star’accreditation. 43 newaccreditations.

• Horticulturist visited 32 schools.• Eight workshops held:• ‘Sustainability Curriculum’ – 33

attendees from 17 schools• ‘Senior Eco Bus Tour’ –30

attendees from 9 schools• ‘Junior Eco Bus Tour’ – 78

attendees from 15 schools• Taqwa Islamic School – 4

participants• ‘Sustainability Coordinators’ –

45 attendees from 34 schools• ‘Sustainable school grounds’ –

52 attendees from 45 schools• ‘Waste and recycling’ – 42

attendees from 15 schools• ‘Curriculum’ – 45 people from

26 schools.• 47 school visits for waste/ recycling

support.• 32 schools borrowed waste display.• 27 Student Energy Kits delivered.• 19 energy audits completed.

Eight workshops held (6 ACT Teacher Quality Institute accredited):

• Energy and Water Workshop – 26attendees from 12 schools

• Junior Schools Eco Bus Tour – 68attendees from 11 schools

• Supporting Sustainable SchoolsCoordinators – 28 attendees from17 schools

• Engaging Students Through FoodGardens – 53 attendees from 19schools

• Senior Eco Bus Tour – 52attendees from 8 schools

• Delivering Sustainability throughthe Curriculum – 26 attendees

• Horticulturist visited 28 schools• 41 schools visited for waste and

recycling support• 44 schools borrowed interactive

waste display or compost / wormfarm display

• 22 student energy kits delivered• 19 new accreditations including - 3

Five Star accreditations

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Community Programs


Community Partnerships

• From 1 July 2013, Service FundingAgreements with SEE-Change, CanberraEnvironment Centre and theConservation Council are managed bySustainability Programs in the ClimateChange and Sustainability Division.

• Operational funding is provided tothese organisations under theAgreements to:• protect and enhance the natural

systems in the ACT and surroundingregion

• promote a sustainable and zero netemission society

• increase awareness of andparticipation in environmentalissues.

SEE-Change • 32 Newsletters / 16 mailouts to approx

1,600 people• 74 programs/events/activities• 984 Facebook likes• 276 Twitter followers.Activities included:• Solar House Day• Sustainable house tours• Chook co-op workshop• ACTCOSS Conference presentation• Food and fuel security talk• Floriade talks• Curtain retrofit workshops• SEE-Change group meetings to foster grass

roots sustainability projects • Houseblitz workshop• Bike trailers hire• Ecological footprint competition• Wetlands restoration and education• Transition Streets program.

Canberra Environment Centre • Fortnightly newsletters to over 2,200 people• Average of 4 social media posts/week to

over 3,300 people.

SEE-Change • 6 Newsletters to 1,600 people• 6 events (including sustainable

wardrobe)• 2 Sustainable House Days (Latham

and Coombs).Canberra Environment Centre

• Fortnightly newsletter to 2,714people

• Average of 5 social mediaposts/week to 5,000 people

• 17 workshops/events (including“Halving your household waste” and“Seed Saving” workshop”).

Conservation Council ACT

• Monthly email bulletin (YellowBox Dispatch) to over 4,500people.

• Weekly wrap distributed to 105member group representatives

• 1,239 Facebook likes• 917 Twitter followers• 50 stakeholder meetings• 6 submissions/commentaries

(including “Water Issues in the ACT”

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Community Programs


• 65 workshops/events.

Activities included: • Held Canberra Harvest Festival in March

2017, with approximately 1000 participants.• Weekly garden tours for community and

school groups. Garden also hosts a disabilityemployment project.

• Development of communal compostingsystem at Stromlo Terrace units.

• Establishment of food garden in newWanniassa housing complex.

• Weekly visits to child care centres as part ofthe Grow Together program (reducewaste/increase nutrition).

• Commenced 6 month work for the doleprogram, to rejuvenate and extend the ANUcommunity garden working with 100people.

Conservation Council ACT • Monthly email bulletin (Yellow Box

Dispatch) to approx 4,500 people• 1,204 Facebook likes• 861 Twitter followers• Over 200 stakeholder meetings• 8 forums• 36 submissions/commentaries

and “Murray-Darling Basin – Water Management”

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Community Programs


Submissions and commentary included; • Policy on kangaroo management,• National Park Feasibility Reference Group;• ACT Region Food Council: Draft Terms of

Reference and Governance Principles; and• Parliamentary Agreement for 9th Legislative

Assembly of the ACT.

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Cleared as complete and accurate: 23/05/2018 Cleared by: Deputy Director-General Ext: 75001 Contact Officer: Hugo Temby Ext: 59337


ISSUE: RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAMS

Talking points:

Large scale renewables and progress to 100 per cent

• In 2016-17, around 29 per cent of the ACT’s electricity supply was fromrenewable sources. This will increase to around 52 per cent for 2017-18,and is expected to reach around 78 per cent for 2018-19. The figure willmove toward 100 per cent over the next two years as the remaining large-scale wind and solar farms are completed. All contracts are in place and on-track to secure the 100 per cent target by 2020.

Next Generation Energy Storage program

• The $25 million Next Generation Energy Storage Grants program issupporting the roll out of up to 5,000 solar battery storage systems to 2020in Canberra homes and businesses. These systems will also collect criticaldata to inform industry research and development.

• 740 systems have been installed to-date, with the rate of installationexpected to increase throughout 2018. Following from the first two grantsrounds, the successful companies of a third grants round were announcedon 18 January 2018. This third grants round allocates around a further$3 million to continue supporting the battery roll-out.

• Focusing on energy storage for homes and businesses, as opposed to largegrid-scale batteries, provides a number of advantages. It allows the ACT tomaximise the comparative advantage it has in the development of small-scale renewable energy technology, and it supports the progressive ACTcommunity that is willing to support the installation of battery technology.

• Each system installed is required to meet specific ‘smart’ requirements andcollect critical data to inform industry research and development. TheVirtual Power Plant recently trialled by Reposit Power and Evoenergy is agood example of how the mandated ‘smart’ requirements of the programare stimulating innovation in the local renewable energy industry.

Local industry development

• The renewable auctions also leveraged more than $500 million over 20years in local investment:

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o Around two gigawatts of renewable energy is managed from Canberra’s renewable energy precinct, which includes leading national and international renewable energy companies such as Neoen, Global Power Generation (GPG), CWP Renewables and Windlab.

o The $12 million Renewable Energy Innovation Fund (REIF) is supporting the Hub, a collaborative co-working space in Canberra’s renewables precinct. In its first year of operation, the hub helped 30 businesses and held more than 80 industry events.

o The innovation fund is also providing up to $2 million in seed funding to help local start-ups to develop and commercialise new technology, including new household battery controls, hydrogen fuel cells and solar radiation forecasting.

o REIF is providing $5 million torwards an $8 million research program on battery storage at Australia’s leading cross disciplinary Energy Change Institute based at the Australian National University. This world-leading program will research improved ways to store and integrate renewable energy into the grid.

ANU has recently appointed local entrepreneur and co-founder of Canberra start-up Reposit Power, Dr Lachlan Blackhall, as research leader.

The program will include research into energy storage and power conversion; data analytics; device optimisation and control; and regulation.

o CIT’s Renewable Energy Skills Centre of Excellence is now offering one of Australia’s first Global Wind Organisation accredited wind safety and technical training programs.

If asked: Large-scale Generation Certificate (LGC) surrender

• There has been no voluntary surrender of the ACT’s LGCs to-date as the Commonwealth Government has been unable to confirm its previous commitment that voluntary surrenders would be additional to national emission reduction targets. It is anticipated that this issue will be clarified through the negotiation of the National Energy Guarantee.

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Next Generation Energy Storage program

The program has been operating since April 2016 and is funded from $25 million in industry funding secured through the 200 megawatt (MW) Next Generation renewables auction (from the Crookwell 2 and Hornsdale Stage 3 wind farms).

The current subsidy is $825 per kilowatt of sustained peak output. For the average residential battery system, this equates to around a $4000 rebate, bringing the total installed cost of a typical solar PV and battery system to around $12,000 to $16,000. The cost and rebate varies significantly between systems.

The subsidies are provided via eight battery installers who were selected through a competitive grants process. This ensures the best value for money for the Territory, and that batteries are only installed by skilled and accredited tradespeople. The process also favoured installers who committed to contributing to the local renewable energy industry.

Community solar

The Community Solar Scheme was a commitment in the 2012 ACT Parliamentary Agreement. In February 2014, The ACT Government approved the release of 1MW of capacity for the Scheme under the Electricity Feed-in (Large-scale Renewable Energy Generation) Act 2011.

After two requests for proposal periods, the most recent in 2014-15, SolarShare submitted a new proposal in May 2017. SolarShare has already conducted some fundraising for the project, reportedly securing $2.89 million in local investor commitments for the project.

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ISSUE: WHAT IS POWER OF CHOICE AND WHAT WILL IT MEAN TO EVERYDAY CANBERRANS?

Talking points:

• Power of Choice is a national package of reforms to the National Electricity Market (NEM). These reforms provide consumers around Australia, including the ACT, with more choice and control over how they manage their electricity expenditure.

• One of the main reasons electricity bills have increased rapidly over the past decade is due to massive investment in the electricity network ‘poles and wires’. The Power of Choice reforms will encourage consumers to reduce their peak demand thereby driving down the cost of grid operation into the future.

• Australia’s Power of Choice reforms are an important part of building the electricity grid of the future and taking advantage of the rapid transformation that is underway in the energy sector.

• The main change that started on 1 December 2017 introduced smart meters and made the provision of smart meters a competitively offered service to consumers. Electricity retailers are now responsible for installing and reading smart meters instead of monopoly network businesses.

• A smart meter is a digital electricity meter that records how much electricity is used and when. A smart meter can be read remotely, and the process of changing from one retailer to another will be able to occur more quickly. A smart meter can provide customers with more useful information about how they use electricity. This in turn can help people identify ways to better manage their electricity bills.

• From 1 December 2017, any newly built residence or business will require a smart meter. When an existing electricity meter breaks down or otherwise needs replacing, it will be replaced with a smart meter.

• The Power of Choice changes will not directly affect Canberrans if their existing electricity meter is in working order.

• Canberrans can also choose to replace their existing meter with a smart meter at any time. Customers should talk to their preferred retailer about what options are available.

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• Electricity customers already pay for new electricity meters and this will not change after 1 December 2017. The change here is that electricity retailers will determine the cost of smart meters. Some retailers have already announced they will provide free smart meters as part of their new tariff packages.

• As with choosing any other product, Canberrans should research the deals on offer and choose the best deal for their circumstances. Electricity retailers make most of their profits from their loyal customers. The Energy Made Easy website operated by the Australian Energy Regulator provides an independent price comparison service that can help customers find the best deal.

• For customers who can reduce their electricity use during peak times by spreading out the use of appliances to off-peak periods, a retail demand or time-of-use tariff may be beneficial.

• From 1 December 2017, for customers with smart meters, the default tariff that Evoenergy charges the electricity retailer will incorporate a ‘demand tariff’. These tariffs better reflect the cost of generating and transporting electricity at peak times. How electricity retailers pass this cost to customers through various plans will be choice for them to make, informed by their customer’s preferences.

Who to contact: • In case of a power outage or other electricity supply issues, faults or

emergencies, customers should call Evoenergy. For any other matters around meters or billing, customers should call their electricity retailer.

Tenant Landlord Scenarios • In rental situations, if an electricity meter fails, the tenant would contact

their preferred retailer to have a smart meter installed. The lessor cannot block this work, and will need to meet the cost of any extra electrical work needed to retain a physical supply. This is because the lessor has an obligation under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 to ensure physical supply of electricity to a property.

• If a tenant wished to upgrade a working meter to a smart meter, lessor approval would be required. This is similar to seeking approval for any other improvement to the rental property.

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Key Information

‘Power of Choice’ reforms to the National Electricity Market (NEM) will provide consumers with more choice and control over how they manage their electricity expenditure while helping to drive down costs for all electricity users. The main reforms that started on 1 December 2017 introduced smart meters and made metering a competitive service.


The Power of Choice reforms apply to small electricity customers (consuming less than 100MWh per year). These are mainly households, and some small businesses and organisations. The reforms were initiated following the 2012 Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) Power of Choice Review, which was agreed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Energy Council. Customers who find they are required to obtain a smart meter and are unable to find a better electricity deal or move their electricity load to take advantage of demand tariffs, may see a rise in costs. A range of programs and concessions are can assist people having difficulty managing their energy use or paying their energy bills. Actsmart programs are an example of this.

The person that attends a premises and installs a smart meter must be a licensed electrician and must be endorsed to undertake smart meter work in the ACT.

Smart meters are manufactured to Australian Standards and must comply with the electromagnetic exposure limits developed by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (the same as all other wireless devices).

Information collected by a customer’s smart meter is sent to electricity market ‘participants’ including the relevant electricity retailer and distributor. Electricity market participants are required to keep customer information confidential under the National Electricity Law. The Australian Energy Market Operator requires metering companies to demonstrate that they can keep their metering systems secure. The Privacy Act also applies to electricity companies.

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ISSUE: PROVIDING CHOICE in GAS NETWORK PROVISION (INCLUDING GINNINDERRY)

Talking points:

• The Territory Plan requires natural gas distribution infrastructure to be installed in all new estate developments, along with other services like water and electricity.

• The ACT Government has considered a request from the developers of the Ginninderry estate in West Belconnen to remove the mandatory requirement to install natural gas in support of its plans for a low-carbon electricity ‘microgrid’ for the development.

• Rather than pursue full deregulation, the ACT Government has agreed to support a pilot demonstration project of an all-electric area in Stage 1 of the Ginninderry precinct. The pilot project will include the first 350 residences where gas will not be connected.

• The removal of the mandatory requirement for the installation of gas infrastructure in Stage 1 of the Ginninderry precinct is currently open for public consultation following the release of a draft variation to the Territory Plan.

• The pilot project will be jointly managed by Evoenergy, the ACT’s electricity network operator, the Ginninderry Joint Venture, the ACT Government and Reposit Power. The results of the pilot will inform government consideration of future energy infrastructure and planning policies.

• Current estimates suggest that by 2020, over 20 per cent of ACT greenhouse gas emissions will come from natural gas related emissions, predominantly associated with residential and commercial space and water heating applications. Consistent with our greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest, it is prudent that the Government examines how we might reduce all emissions sources, including from natural gas use.

• Infrastructure decisions made in coming years will shape our future emissions profile.

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• While the growth in natural gas consumption in the Territory has moderated in recent years, gas is expected to play a role for some time to come, especially in the national electricity generation sector, supporting the transition to renewables.

• Observed increases in retail gas prices, and the Territory’s renewable electricity target, are now challenging the long held assumption that gas is a cheaper and cleaner alternative to electricity for particular residential uses.

• Innovations in household cooking (induction stoves), space heating and hot water appliances (heat pumps) now provide households with more choice of how to meet their heating and cooking needs. Winding back government mandates and promoting greater consumer choice will promote technology and commercial innovation and lower costs for all energy users.

Key Information

The matter of gas connection to new suburbs has recently come to public attention following the proposal by the Riverview Group to not include gas reticulation as part of the new Ginninderry estate development at West Belconnen.


Requirements for gas in new estates

• The provision of natural gas reticulation infrastructure to new estate developments is established via a mandatory rule in the Estate Development Code. Rule 43 of the Estate Development Code requires the provision of gas distribution infrastructure, as well as other essential services such as electricity and water, in new estate developments.

• The Estate Development Code is part of the Territory Plan, a statutory document legislated through the Planning and Development Act 2007. Any decision to not require the mandatory roll out of gas distribution infrastructure to new estate developments requires a variation to the Territory Plan. A draft variation to the Territory Plan was released on 4 May 2018, which put into interim effect the removal of the mandatory requirement for the installation of gas infrastructure in Stage 1 of the Ginniderry precinct. Public comments of the draft variation are invited until 22 June 2018.

Infrastructure costs

• ACT energy consumers, through regulatory determinations, bear the cost of energy infrastructure investment through their energy bills. It is therefore important that policy

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makers have sufficient information and evidence to enable appropriate scrutiny of future investment decisions for energy infrastructure.

• Lower demand for gas over time, for economic reasons, could create a scenario where energy consumers were required to carry the cost of maintaining underutilised infrastructure, rather than the risk being borne by the gas network business that made the investment. This is a matter that could also be considered by the COAG Energy Council which oversees the way in which gas network expansion and gas network pricing for consumers is approved.

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Documents

MINISTER FOR CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY€¦ · Output Class 3: Loose-fill Asbestos Insulation Eradication (Minister Gentleman) Output Class 3: Climate Change and Sustainability