Powering past coal and gas

In a world racing to reduce pollution, the Greens have a plan to power past coal and gas. Did you know that Australia has the potential to be a renewable energy superpower?

Instead, we’re one of the largest exporters of coal and gas in the world; only Indonesia sells more coal than we do. We’re also one of the dirtiest countries per capita. 

Yet, despite this, emissions are rising, not falling. Under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor government, emissions have gone up. Yes, you read that right. In the middle of a climate crisis, emissions are on the rise. 

Despite another summer of devastating bushfires, Labor is still approving new coal and gas projects. Since 2022, they’ve greenlit 28 new projects across the country, including in Victoria’s beautiful oceans, right near the 12 Apostles. By June 2024, Beach Energy began extracting gas beneath Port Campbell National Park, on Gunditjmara Country. 

Our southside communities are already bearing the brunt. Research reveals that Southbank is the most vulnerable area in Victoria, with more than 16,000 properties at risk of flooding within the next 15 years due to the climate crisis. In Macnamara and along the shores of Port Phillip Bay, the threat of water inundation and storm surges continues to grow.  

Australia has vast renewable energy potential, with sun and wind resources that could make us global leaders in clean energy. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) calls us “uniquely placed” to lead in clean energy. Yet the two major parties keep us chained to a fossil fuel future, promulgated by big coal and gas corporations. 

Transitioning to clean energy could create jobs, boost tax revenue, and drive economic growth, especially with proper taxation of the fossil fuel industry. Countries like Denmark, France, Ireland, and Costa Rica have already stopped new fossil fuel exploration. 

The Greens have a clear, achievable plan for a renewable-powered future. At the federal level, we’re pushing for a fair, transparent transition away from coal and gas, with protections for workers and communities. 

Unlike Labor and the Liberals, we want to build a thriving clean energy export industry and invest heavily in renewables, while ensuring big corporations and billionaires don’t profit from environmental destruction. 

In Victoria, we’re calling for a legislated end to coal mining by 2030 and a clear plan to close coal-fired power stations, with real support for workers.  

The Greens don’t take a cent from fossil fuel corporations, so we can focus on what’s needed: a massive expansion of publicly owned renewables and a liveable future for our kids and grandkids. 

Together, we are powerful and with more Greens at every level of government, we can push to power past coal and gas, going further and faster on tackling the climate crisis. •