Recommendation
10. Better inform future infrastructure requirements and align infrastructure investment with the WA Climate Policy by implementing the WA Government’s policy for net zero emissions by 2050, including:
- strengthening the current net zero emissions by 2050 aspiration to become a firm target and establishing interim emissions reduction targets
- preparing and implementing net zero transition plans as required by the WA Climate Policy by an agreed deadline, that:
- align with interim targets (once defined) for Scope 1 and 2 emissions associated with facilities under the operational control of state agencies or government trading enterprises
- identify actions, with associated timing, for Scope 1 and 2 emissions reductions
- include mechanisms for state agencies and government trading enterprises to report annually on progress against targets and implementation actions
- are supported by funding, resources and public sector capability training
- preparing and implementing sectoral emissions reduction strategies, as required by the WA Climate Policy by an agreed deadline, that:
- are prepared under the direction of the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation with authority of a Cabinet decision
- clearly identify government policies and processes that impact emissions for the sector and the changes required to those policies and processes needed to give effect to the sectoral emissions reduction strategy
- include analysis of opportunities for state agencies and government trading enterprises to influence embodied, operational and enabled emissions
- account for enabled emissions through infrastructure design and assessment processes, and prepare infrastructure to accommodate emerging low and zero carbon technology and transitions
- identify cost-effective emission reduction actions, along with associated requirements for funding and financing, resources and public sector capability training
WA Government response
The WA Government responded to Foundation for a stronger tomorrow in February 2023. Recommendation 10 is fully supported. For further information please refer to the response document.