Perth climate voters get MP on board with net-zero ‘vision for future’ (19 Feb 2024)
Article summary: Kate Chaney, the WA independent MP for the federal electorate of Curtin, is aligning with her constituents' strong commitment to climate action and the journey towards decarbonisation. Recognising climate change as a critical issue for her voters, Chaney is set to support 50 volunteers in launching a comprehensive Net Zero pathway report. This initiative, nearly twice the length of the Western Australian government’s climate policy, underscores the community's dedication to addressing climate change at local, state, and federal levels.
Chaney's election as one of six independents, who successfully challenged sitting Liberal MPs on a platform of climate action, reflects a significant shift in political priorities within her constituency. The loss of Curtin in the 2022 election highlighted the importance of climate issues to voters and sent a clear message to the WA Liberal Party about the electorate's expectations for future candidates.
The Net Zero pathway report, a year in the making, offers detailed strategies for Curtin residents to engage in climate action across various governance levels. It tackles contentious issues such as the role of gas and renewables in WA's electricity grid, advocating for no new gas fields and urging the state to adopt more ambitious emissions reduction targets. The report calls for a transition to 100% renewable energy targets for state government emissions by 2030 and proposes a ban on the sale and installation of new home gas appliances by the same year.
Chaney's support for this initiative reflects her independence from party ideologies, allowing her to focus on long-term visions for climate action driven by community interests. She emphasises the importance of bold decarbonisation efforts for both environmental protection and future prosperity, highlighting the active engagement of Curtin's citizens in shaping their advocacy at all levels of government. This approach, Chaney believes, is crucial for addressing the political discussion's current lack of long-term vision and for fostering a sustainable future.
Related video: Curtin’s Pathway to Net Zero Launch
Related article: Curtin lays out the path to net zero (17 Feb 2024)
