Environmental companies in Tasmania will share in funding from a $200 million national program to support business investment in renewable energy, low emissions technology and energy efficiency, Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten announced today at the Veolia Environmental Services facility in Hobart.
"Veolia is one of the leading environmental services businesses in Australia and they understand the need to improve our environment," Mr Shorten said.
"The Gillard Government recognises that transforming the economy to a clean energy future presents opportunities for industry, but also challenges."
"The carbon price will provide an economic incentive to re-use our waste products and save the energy embodied in them, a task Veolia have a strong track record in."
"The Government's Clean Technology Innovation Program will support the development of new clean technology products in Australia."
This funding will be in addition to the broader research and development tax concession and will help Australian businesses creatively work towards a clean energy future.
The assistance recognises that, in some instances, a higher rate of Government support for innovation to reduce carbon pollution will be important, at least for a transitional period, until private investment increases.
The Gillard Government also announced the carbon price mechanism will not apply to emissions covered by the Carbon Farming Initiative, which includes greenhouse gas emissions from legacy waste.
"This also means that destruction of methane from landfill legacy waste may be eligible to create offset credits under the Carbon Farming Initiative, subject to meeting additional requirements," Mr Shorten said.
"This provides opportunities for landfills to meet their obligations under the scheme through offsetting activities."
Further information about the Government's clean energy future and carbon price announcement is available at www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au