The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts has created a Net Zero Unit to support the infrastructure industry to reach net zero, as well as increasing transport networks resilience to extreme weather.
The Net Zero Unit is to be led by Ian Porter. It will identify how the infrastructure portfolio can work across government and with industry to help achieve net zero and improve the resilience of the transport networks and supply chains in the face of increasing extreme weather events.
The unit will support the cross-portfolio Net Zero Taskforce that will advise the Federal Government on ensuring regional Australians benefit from Australia’s transformation to a renewable energy superpower.
This forms part of the Federal Government’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
The unit will help advance the Government’s emissions commitments by connecting government agencies, industry and climate experts to translate the latest research into action, while ensuring climate expertise is embedded into policies and investments.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King, said she is looking forward to continuing to work closely with her department as they facilitate a cleaner, greener era for Australia’s transport and infrastructure sector
“Achieving our Government’s emissions reduction targets on the path to net zero by 2050 will require concerted action to drive emissions lower across the transport sector,” Ms King said.
“We are already helping to achieve this by increasing the uptake of electric vehicles, considering fuel efficiency standards, improving consumer information, promoting alternative aviation fuels and other technologies, and engaging with international partners to reduce shipping emissions.”
Mr Porter brings significant experience in climate change, energy and sustainability policy, as well as working across government, public service, consulting and the not-for-profit sector – including most recently heading up program delivery for Climateworks.
This builds on important initiatives already underway across the portfolio, including creating a Jet Zero Council to promote sustainable aviation fuels in this country and consulting on fuel efficiency standards for light vehicles to support the National Electric Vehicle Strategy.
“Ian Porter brings a wealth of experience that will support the new Net Zero Unit’s critical work to take our transport and infrastructure climate change policy, research and engagement to the next level,” Ms King said.
