Riverina MP Michael McCormack has described the federal government's plan to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 as the "best outcome" for rural and regional Australians.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Tuesday announced the the Long Term Emissions Reduction Plan as a "practical, responsible way to deliver net zero emissions by 2050".
The plan's release followed multiple days of deliberations within the National Party, including Mr McCormack, and with the Liberal Party over concessions in the government's response to climate change.
"I have always maintained that any discussion about reducing emissions to meet net zero 2050 targets must not be at the expense of regional and rural jobs or at a cost to regional and rural people, particularly those in the Riverina and Central West," Mr McCormack said.
"We will not support something which will have a detrimental effect on our economy or put power prices through the roof."
Agriculture is one of the Riverina's more exposed industries as methane from the digestive systems of sheep and cattle represents 11 per cent of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions.
"The Nationals have ensured the best outcome for and on behalf of farmers, the mining and agricultural sectors and indeed rural and regional Australians. This will be done through technology, not taxes," Mr McCormack said.
"We are not going to shut down entire industries or production lines - we are not subjecting the agricultural industry to caps on methane."
In other news
The net zero plan pointed to emerging technologies in livestock feed as a way for agriculture to reduce its emissions by up to 29 per cent by 2050.
Labor duty Senator for the Riverina Deborah O'Neill said almost every major agricultural industry group had already backed net zero by 2050.
"The government needs to take its head out of the sand and work with these industry groups and local farmers to seize the possibilities of a net-zero future and a sustainable economy," she said.
"There is no net zero plan, just more of the same. Only a Labor Government will invest in renewable energy and green manufacturing that will boost regional economies in the Riverina."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark dailyadvertiser.com.au
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters