The ACT Government will deliver a significant package of environmental initiatives in the 2025-26 Budget, the package is the foundation for Labor’s environmental agenda over this term including appointing a Government Landscape Architect, developing a Canberra-wide Landscape Plan, supporting local biodiversity and environmental protection, improving local waterways, cutting emissions, and helping more households and businesses transition to a more energy-efficient future.
The upcoming Budget supports the development of the next Climate Change Strategy, as well as developing new responses to the impacts on our environment from a changing climate.
We will invest over $15 million over four years in practical, targeted climate and energy programs, backed by the Energy Saving Contribution Fund, including free energy assessments for homes and small businesses, commercial building electrification pilots, and culturally appropriate energy support for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Treasurer Chris Steel said the ACT Budget continues the Government’s strong commitment to climate action and environmental protection.
“We’re making cost-effective investments that lower emissions, deliver energy savings and protect our local environment. Supporting more businesses and households to become more energy efficient will help reduce energy bills and set up our city for the future,” Minister Steel said.
“This Budget also builds on our previous investments in improving local waterways and supports essential species protection work, including the breeding program to protect the critically endangered Canberra Grassland Earless Dragon.”
Funding will support 700 free in-home energy assessments per year through the Home Energy Efficiency Program, expand the Sustainable Building Program for small businesses, and continue work under the successful Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme.
In addition, the Government is investing in waterway health and catchment management to support healthier rivers and lakes for all Canberrans to enjoy. This funding will invest in practical efforts to support our waterways including stormwater recycling and urban water quality improvement programs.
Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water Suzanne Orr said these investments reflect the ACT’s leadership on environmental sustainability and conservation.
“The changing climate presents many challenges for our environment and community. The ACT has done a lot of good work and punched above our weight but there is still more to do. It’s time to take a fresh look at our approach and make sure we are focused where we need to be. Our Budget commitments are our foundation to do this work with an emphasis on practical and inclusive environmental action, reducing energy use, protecting biodiversity and supporting all Canberrans,” Minister Orr said.
“Importantly, this Budget delivers on the Government’s commitment to a Landscape Plan. The Government will appoint a Landscape Architect to deliver a Landscape Plan that provides a holistic view of the way that Canberra can develop into the future while preserving the bush capital we all know and love.”
The Government has also committed $200,000 to pilot the electrification of commercial buildings and $100,000 to develop a roadmap for electrifying complex residential buildings, ensuring that even the most difficult challenges to reducing the ACT’s emissions can be overcome.
These initiatives form part of a broader plan to ensure Canberra remains one of the most liveable and sustainable cities in the world.
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