Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in NSW are fast falling apart, Greens MLC Ian Cohen said today after revelations the Government is considering scrapping the popular BASIX scheme which improves energy efficiency in new homes.
“Greenhouse policy in this state is fast becoming a shambles,” Mr Cohen said.
“The Government has failed to put in a renewable energy target, it is doing nothing to address coal expansion, its energy white paper has never been released, it refuses to rule out new coal fired power stations and now it has moved to freeze the BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) program.
“The BASIX scheme has been delivering on the ground practical improvements in energy efficiency that are not only good for the environment but save householders thousands of dollars in cheaper electricity bills.
“BASIX is money in a ‘future bank’. It is a sound long-term investment that delivers dividends for the environment and future household energy and water savings. Such homes also have higher re-sale value.
“The program must be allowed to run its course with the new post 1 July targets. In the lead up to the 2007 election the Greens will take a dim view of any move to wind BASIX back.
“The Property Council should back up its claim that the energy target has raised costs of flats by between $13000 and $14000 with an independently audited assessment of its allegations.
“Today’s revelations come on top of recent moves to slash the developer levy for new housing releases before any proper assessment of the environmental costs of those developments is undertaken.
“While the people of NSW are willing to do their bit to save water and contribute to greenhouse gas emission reduction they are being badly let down by a state Government increasingly incapable of making the right decisions,” Mr Cohen said.
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