West Australians urge action on the climate

[This media release was issued by the Conservation Council on 23 March 2011.]

Over 500 West Australians showed their support for urgent action on climate change in Perth today outside the Convention Centre, where an international sustainable energy exhibition is being held.

Organised by the Australian Youth Climate Coalition; Conservation Council WA; The Wilderness Society; Oxfam; Greenpeace Australia; and the Oaktree Foundation, the rally was held at the Perth Convention Centre, coinciding with the first day of an international conference showcasing renewable energies, organised by the Sustainable Energy Association of Australia.

Conservation Council WA Director Piers Verstegen told the rally that a price on carbon was the first and most important action needed for Australia to move to a low carbon future.

“Despite their rhetoric, those polluters, rent-seekers and sceptics that oppose a price on pollution do not have the support of the Australian community who want to see action on climate change now,” Mr Verstegen said.

“A carbon price will unlock WA’s enormous renewable energy potential, along with thousands of clean energy jobs and unprecedented investment opportunities. This is the clean economy of the future that we cannot afford to turn our backs on.”

Sustainable Energy Association of Australia chief executive, Professor Ray Wills, told the rally that a price on carbon was essential to curb emissions. “Our position is that an emissions trading scheme is the best solution but a carbon tax is a good interim measure,” Professor Wills said.

“A carbon price will provide certainty to the market, allowing businesses to make investment decisions on the best low-emissions and no-emissions technologies. As the nation with the world's best renewable energy resources, all Australian governments need to become even more ambitious in the support for renewable energy generation.”

Australian Youth Climate Coalition Spokesperson Nicholas Taylor said: “Young people have the most to lose from climate change, but the most to gain from effective climate change policies and a shift to renewable energy. This rally is about showing that young Western Australians care about their future and stabilising the climate”.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

• Mr Piers Verstegen, Conservation Council WA Director: 0411 557 892
• Professor Ray Wills, Sustainable Energy Assoc. of Australia CEO: 0430 365 607
• Mr Nick Taylor, Australian Youth Climate Coalition WA State Coordinator: 0411 442 881