Farmers for Climate Action has welcomed the introduction of the NSW EPA Climate Change Policy and Action Plan 2023-26.
In a statement, Farmers for Climate Action said it is particularly pleased that the NSW EPA will consider climate change more thoroughly when issuing approvals and providing planning advice.
Spokesperson Peter Holding, a third-generation farmer from NSW’s south-west slopes, said addressing climate change consequences while planning made great sense.
“The farmers who grow Australia’s food are being smashed by repeat flooding, fires and drought being made worse by climate change. Insurance mostly does not cover events such as floods and is steadily becoming unaffordable,” Holding stated.
According to Holding, it makes sense to consider this reality while evaluating projects that may contribute to the worsening of the situation. He added that minimising emissions from the most polluting businesses also makes sense.
Holding said regional Australia is already reaping the greatest benefits from carbon reductions.
“Huge renewable energy projects are delivering thousands of jobs to regional Australia, with tens of thousands more in the pipeline. Community benefits funds from these projects can breathe new life into towns with upgrades to local facilities. We are already seeing battery manufacturing companies setting up in regional areas,” he stated.
He added that farmers would also earn significant revenue from carbon credits during droughts, which is a significant plus if the market is correctly managed.
