NCC calls for urgent emissions reduction in regional NSW

THE Nature Conservation Council of New South Wales (NCC) has endorsed the creation of the NSW Net Zero Commission and the appointment of its inaugural commissioners.

The independent commission is set to provide expert advice on achieving the state’s climate goals with a particular focus on regional NSW.

New Net Zero Commission chair Paul Grimes has held senior roles across the public service, including Secretary of the NSW Treasury, incorporating the NSW Office of Energy and Climate Change.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said Dr Grimes’ appointment and that of the Net Zero commissioners demonstrate the state government’s commitment to the environment.

“The strong, independent Net Zero Commission will provide us with expert assessments of our progress in achieving our net zero goals and adapting to our changing climate,” she said.

NSW has legislated targets to cut emissions by 50 per cent by 2030, 70 per cent by 2035, and reach net zero emissions by 2050.

However, recent government modelling indicates the state is currently on track to fall short of these targets, projecting a 44 per cent reduction by 2030 and 65 per cent by 2035.

NCC chief executive Jacqui Mumford praised the new commission’s potential to advance climate action in regional NSW.

“We welcome the establishment of the Net Zero Commission and the independent expertise it will bring to climate policy in NSW,” Ms Mumford said.

She noted that the commission provides a valuable framework to overcome obstacles to meeting emissions reduction targets.

“NSW needs to urgently redouble emissions reduction efforts considering recent projections and the catastrophic impacts we continue to witness around the world,” Ms Mumford said.

“Phasing out native forest logging and reining in habitat clearing would make immediate and significant contributions to our emissions efforts.

“Land clearing is responsible for approximately 10% of Australia’s emissions, whilst ending native forest logging in NSW would prevent an estimated 2.4 million tons of greenhouse emissions every year.

“Protecting and restoring forests and habitat is a crucial mitigation action if NSW is to meet our targets.

The NCC plans to engage with the commission to advocate for these nature-based solutions.

Additionally, the NCC welcomed the recent appointments to the Joint Standing Committee on Net Zero Future, which will oversee the commission’s work.

“We look forward to working with all members to accelerate climate action,” Ms Mumford said.