The Australian Mining Cities Alliance have met with federal government ministers in Canberra to discuss the transition of several of Australia’s biggest mining communities – including Broken Hill – to a net zero economy.
A net-zero economy refers to an economic state where the amount of greenhouse gases produced is no more than the amount removed from the environment. This balance effectively means human activities result in zero additional carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere.
Among the ministers the group met with were Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and the Territories, Kristy McBain, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Madeline King, and Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chirs Bowen.
Following the meetings, AMCA Chairman, Phil Barwick, said the AMCA were even more committed to the net zero model.
“Our engagement with key senior ministers left us confident the Albanese Government will genuinely engage and work with affected mining communities and their local governments.
“In particular the commitment to net zero has practical elements that we will soon also discuss with the incoming Chair of the Net Zero Economy Agency Chair, Mr Greg Combet,” Mr Barwick said.
The AMCA delegation moved to reassure those living in their cities that advocating the transformation for communities impacted by the net zero economy is place-based, well planned, well managed and adequately funded.
“We’ve spoken to relevant ministers, their advisors, and agencies, most notably the Climate Change Authority (CCA) over the past 12 months to let them know how important the net zero economy planning is at a local level.
“We also made a submission to the CCA this week in response to its Issues Paper titled Setting, tracking and achieving Australia’s emissions reduction targets and our executive officer met with key officers of the CCA to discuss our recommendations in detail,” Mr Barwick said.
