As part of the 2023-24 State Budget, the McGowan Government has announced an investment of over $3 billion to combat climate change and build climate-resilient communities.
“The McGowan Government is continuing to invest in climate action and adaptation. This sends a strong signal about our priorities and leadership,” Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby said.
With $2.8 billion for energy storage, wind power generation, and transmission network enhancements on Western Australia’s (WA) main electrical grid, the 2023-24 State Budget turbocharges the State’s transition to cleaner, more dependable, and affordable energy.
“Decarbonising our economy to protect WA’s environment for future generations is essential to the growth and economic diversification of our State,” Minister Whitby stated.
Funding for large-scale battery storage systems in Collie and Kwinana, new wind power generating projects in King Rocks and near Eneabba, and major investment in network design and improvements to allow renewable energy development are part of the package.
The substantial financial boost will assist to replace the generation capacity of State-owned coal-fired power plants, which will be decommissioned by 2030 to guarantee WA has a stable and secure electricity supply.
“Our Government is committed to investing in projects that will help decarbonise State-owned Synergy and as a result Western Australian households, while continuing to ensure a stable and reliable electricity grid,” Energy Minister Bill Johnston said.
Minister Johnston stated that the significant investment will help WA accelerate its transition to a low-carbon future and boost business confidence.
“We want to unlock critical investment in clean energy infrastructure and technologies to help position our State as a green energy powerhouse,” Minister Johnston added.
The WA Government has set aside $65.3 million for enabling works at the new Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant, ensuring WA’s drinking water supply as rainfall in Perth and the South-West continues to diminish.
“This investment shows the Government is serious about tackling the impacts of climate change and future-proofing Perth’s water supply for years to come,” Water Minister Simone McGurk said.
At full capacity, the new facility will be able to provide 100 billion litres of clean, safe drinking water to millions of Western Australians each year.
“When operating at full capacity, the new desalination plant, powered by renewable energy, will provide 100 billion litres of safe, clean drinking water for Western Australians every year,” Minister McGurk added.
The State Budget contains over $40 million towards developing climate-resilient communities, in support of the WA Climate Adaptation Strategy, which is anticipated to be released later this year and will lay out the fundamentals of a State-wide adaptation strategy.
According to the State Government, adaptation is the process of preparing for and adapting to the inescapable effects of climate change. It comprises measures to increase knowledge, competence, and collaborations to strengthen the resilience of industries, communities, and regions.
Budget-funded initiatives include:
- $3.4 million to complete the second stage of the Climate Science Initiative, which will result in the most thorough Western Australian climate forecasts to date;
- $2.8 million to enhance the Sector Adaptation Plan Program, which supports tailored adaptation solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the environmental and primary industries sectors;
- $2.7 million to create a training program to educate small and medium-sized enterprises about adaptation, as well as to finance research grants to promote solutions and the creation of a climate adaptation toolbox;
- $5 million for a reverse osmosis desalination program in the Wheatbelt and Great Southern, which will assist farmers in delivering high-quality water;
- Almost $2 million will be spent to collaborate with Aboriginal organisations on the creation of a First Nations Climate Resilience Fund;
- $1.5 million to explore activities required to increase river resilience in the South-west; and
- More than $800,000 for Perth metropolitan area urban heat models to support future planning and adaption initiatives.
The Budget also includes $36 million to support the WA Government’s historic decision to cease native logging, as well as $31.8 million to assist with green energy project approvals.
