1.1 Review climate change models, identify research gaps and opportunities, and determine priority research projects to update Tasmania’s climate science

Expected completion FY 2020-21

DPAC (TCCO)

A review of climate change research in Tasmania has identified research opportunities in a number of priority sectors, including agriculture, water infrastructure, biosecurity, tourism, aquaculture, and fisheries. Four new research projects are underway.

In progress

1.2 Undertake research to build our understanding of Tasmania’s vulnerability to coincident extreme events and their impacts

Expected completion FY 2020-21

DPAC (TCCO)

Commenced research to increase our understanding and awareness of the current and future impacts of coincident extreme events in Tasmania.

In progress

1.3 Provide sector-specific information on Tasmania’s future climate through tailored climate information and decision support tools for end users

Expected completion FY 2020-21

DPAC (TCCO)

Commences in FY 2018-19.

In progress

1.4 Support an ongoing commitment to the National Climate Science Centre in Hobart

Ongoing

DPAC (TCCO)

The Tasmanian Government continues to advocate for the maintenance of a strong scientific research capability in Tasmania.

In progress

2.1 Promote Tasmanian and National emissions reduction and energy security by continuing to invest in hydro-electricity assets, considering the findings of relevant studies to further Tasmania’s renewable electricity generation, progressing opportunities for further renewable energy development, and advocating for Tasmania to play a significant role in national energy security

Ongoing

State Growth

The Tasmanian Government has committed to the State becoming self-sufficient in renewable energy generation by 2022 by sourcing an additional 1,000 giga-watt hours of renewable electricity.

Hydro Tasmania and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency have partnered to conduct a feasibility study into locations for pumped-hydro as part of Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation initiative. In addition, through Project Marinus, a feasibility and business case assessment into a second Bass Strait interconnector is being undertaken by TasNetworks.

Progress on these two major projects will enable Tasmania to play a significant role in the supply of secure, reliable and affordable renewable energy, and enable the State to make an important contribution to meeting the challenges faced in the National Electricity Market.

The Cattle Hill and Granville Harbour wind farms have achieved significant project milestones, with construction underway in 2018.

In progress

2.2 Provide resources and guidance materials to support businesses and households to access the Tasmanian Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme or other finance options

Expected completion FY 2018-19

DPAC (TCCO)

The TCCO provides information on its website for practical actions home and business owners can take to improve energy efficiency.

In progress

2.3 Work with businesses to maximise energy efficiency and identify energy savings projects eligible for application to the Tasmanian Energy Efficiency Loan Scheme or other finance options

Expected completion FY 2019-20

DPAC (TCCO)

A gap analysis into the energy use of Tasmanian small and medium-sized businesses has identified opportunities for a number of sectors to enhance their energy efficiency.

A panel of Energy Auditors has been appointed to support businesses identify energy savings opportunities.

In progress

2.4 Determine the suitability of Environmental Upgrade Agreements and other financing options to support energy upgrades in Tasmania’s non-residential building stock

Expected completion FY 2017-18

DPAC (TCCO)

A draft of the feasibility study report is due to be completed by the end of June 2018.

Nearing completion

2.5 Work with local government and service providers to support the delivery of energy efficient street lighting and smart controls projects

Ongoing

DPAC (TCCO)

The Tasmanian Government participated in a workshop with local government and TasNetworks to discuss the rollout of high efficiency street lighting technologies and smart control systems.

In progress

2.6 Support Tasmanian Government agencies to monitor and report energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions

Ongoing

DPAC (TCCO)

The TCCO continues to support agencies in their ongoing monitoring of energy and emissions.

In progress

2.7 Improve the energy efficiency of Tasmanian Government owned and leased buildings through energy audits, cost-effective capital upgrades and a behaviour change program

Ongoing

DPAC (TCCO)

A panel of Energy Auditors has been appointed to support the Tasmanian Government to identify energy savings opportunities.

In progress

3.1 Assess potential approaches for a market-led statewide rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and work with local government, businesses and industry to improve charging network infrastructure in Tasmania

Expected completion FY 2019-20

DPAC (TCCO)

The Tasmanian Government has established the Electric Vehicle Working Group to assess approaches to support the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Tasmania.

In progress

3.2 Establish an electric vehicle working group to identify barriers, issues and opportunities, and provide advice to the Tasmanian Government on the development of a coordinated approach to support the uptake of electric vehicles in Tasmania

Expected completion FY 2018-19

DPAC (TCCO)

The Tasmanian Government’s Electric Vehicle Working Group has met four times since it was established in September 2017. The Working Group is playing an active role in:

• identifying and exploring barriers to electric vehicle uptake;
• reviewing relevant policy and regulatory settings relating to each barrier;
• identifying priority areas of action to support electric vehicle uptake;
• understanding the impact of electric vehicle uptake on Tasmania’s electricity sector;
• assessing approaches to support the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Tasmania; and
• investigating ways to improve electric vehicle data collection.

In progress

3.3 Extend the Smarter Fleets program to improve the efficiency of heavy vehicle fleets and additional light vehicle fleets

Expected completion FY  2019-20

DPAC (TCCO)

The Smarter Fleets program provides tailored guidance and support to reduce vehicle fleet greenhouse gas emissions and fuel costs.

A program for heavy vehicle fleets and additional light vehicle fleets will commence in mid-2018.

In progress

3.4 Support public transport uptake through improved service provision and use of planning tools to align developments with effective public transport networks

Ongoing

State Growth

The Department of State Growth is developing a new public transport network as part of Project 2018. The new network will result in an increase in service frequency to growing population centres such as Sorell, Margate, Legana and New Norfolk. It also aims to provide better connections to key population centres on the North-West Coast and regional centres, such as between the West Coast and Burnie and between Devonport, Launceston and Hobart. The new network will come into effect in early 2019.

The Tasmanian Government has provided funding of $31 million to build 100 new Metro buses. These buses will be delivered over the next two years (from FY 2017-18) and are designed for conversion from diesel to electric.

In progress

3.5 Improve the efficiency of the Tasmanian Government transport fleet by extending the Smarter Fleets program, reviewing the Green Vehicle Guide minimum standards, and identifying and addressing barriers to the uptake of electric vehicles in the Government fleet

Ongoing

DPAC (TCCO)

In 2017, the Smarter Fleets Program was extended to include all Tasmanian Government agency fleets.

The Electric Vehicle Working Group is investigating options to address barriers to the uptake of electric vehicles in the Government fleet.

In progress

4.1 Attract investment and jobs by using our clean energy advantage and making climate change projections easily available and accessible for investors

Ongoing

Coordinator-General

DPAC (TCCO)

The Office of the Coordinator-General continues to promote the renewable energy sector in Tasmania across a wide variety of sectors.

The State’s renewable energy advantage is frequently highlighted to potential investors through marketing collateral, presentations and tailored responses.

The Coordinator-General is working across a number of renewable energy projects including wind and solar projects, providing support to project proponents as required.

In progress

4.2 Work with farmers to reduce fertiliser-related emissions and costs by continuing to deliver the Fert$mart program in partnership with DairyTas

Complete

DPAC (TCCO)

Under Fert$mart approximately 50 per cent of Tasmanian dairy farms have plans in place to reduce fertiliser-related emissions.

In 2017, the Tasmanian Government provided financial assistance to farmers to install infrastructure to implement the effluent management component of their Fert$mart plans. This funding provided the momentum for practical on-farm infrastructure works totalling $112,000, and an additional 339 hectares of land being irrigated with effluent.

Complete

4.3 Undertake a business resource efficiency program to assist small- and medium-sized businesses to reduce their emissions and operating costs through resource efficiency initiatives, and building industry capacity

Expected completion FY  2019-20

DPAC (TCCO)

State Growth

Eight business resource efficiency seminars were held across Tasmania in May and June 2018 with a focus on: lean manufacturing, the circular economy and supply chain efficiencies.

The program will run for 12 months and provide opportunities to reduce costs through improved sustainable business practices.

In progress

4.4 Work with the agricultural sector to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions by updating the online energy self-audit tool and developing guidance materials

Expected completion FY 2017-18

DPIPWE

DPAC (TCCO)

AgriGrowth Tasmania has updated the energy self-audit tool for Tasmanian Farmers, first developed as a booklet in 2009. Improvements include the development of interactive spreadsheets where farmers can enter data and obtain indicative information, calculated through an online platform on their energy usage.

Nearing completion

4.5 Support the resilience of small- and medium-sized businesses to extreme events by extending the Disaster Planning and Recovery for Tasmanian Businesses project, which involves workshops and tailored resources

Complete

DPAC (TCCO)

State Growth

A series of workshops were conducted across regional Tasmania, supporting 48 Tasmanian businesses to undertake business continuity planning to prepare for and respond to extreme climatic events.

Complete

4.6 Provide information on climate change risks and opportunities through Enterprise Suitability Mapping to support future decision making for the agricultural sector

Ongoing

DPIPWE

DPAC (TCCO)

DPIPWE is updating all current Enterprise Suitability layers on the LIST. Improvements include new soil and climate information and revised crop rules for each industry.

Updated climate projections under a business-as-usual emissions scenario will be integrated into enterprise suitability mapping for poppies, wheat, potatoes, wine grapes and barley in 2018 to support future decision making.

In progress

4.7 Develop a new waste management action plan for Tasmania which includes a focus on emissions reduction

Expected completion FY 2018-19

DPIPWE

EPA Tasmania has consulted local government, industry and other stakeholders to agree on waste management priorities in Tasmania.

The new waste strategy will prioritise the reduction of emissions from food and garden organic (FOGO) waste, for example by considering how to support the rollout of FOGO bin systems and planning and investing in organics processing infrastructure.

While in the short-term the ability of local government to invest in organics or other waste management systems is limited by international developments in solid waste import laws, national and state responses to this problem should in the medium to longer-term help to increase the resilience of all Australian recycling markets.

In progress

4.8 Deliver the five proposed Tranche II irrigation development schemes, and investigate the feasibility of Tranche III schemes, to provide water surety for the agricultural sector in a changing climate

Ongoing

Tasmanian Irrigation Pty Ltd

DPIPWE

The transformation in Tasmanian regional, large-scale irrigation development has made highly reliable water supplies available for growth in agriculture.

The Tranche II phase of irrigation development is well underway with five schemes completed, under construction or in the final stages of approval.

These schemes will have a combined capacity of 28,000 mega litres (ML) with a potential to reach 82,000 hectares.

The Tasmanian and Australian Governments are jointly supporting an investigation into a potential third stage of development. The Tranche III program involves feasibility studies into the potential of 13 additional irrigation schemes.

In progress

4.9 Invest in skills to prepare our industry sectors, regional communities and workforce for a changing climate

Ongoing

State Growth

Skills Tasmania continues to work with industry, community and regional partners to understand their current and future training needs through its annual Workforce Development Grants Program. Skills Tasmania provides subsidised training in agriculture, aquaculture and primary industries, with environmental sustainability and climate change being an important context for the delivery of nationally accredited training for these sectors.

In progress

5.1 Build community resilience by raising awareness of flood risks and implementing a statewide system for flood warnings and alerts

Expected completion FY 2017-18

DPFEM (SES)

SES has finalised a Community Education and Awareness Framework for Flood and a Flood Community Education and Awareness Implementation Guide to assist with the development and implementation of consistent flood education and awareness programs by SES, local government and other stakeholders across Tasmania.

SES is finalising the development of, and training to implement, a statewide system for flood warnings and alerts.

Nearing completion

5.2 Develop online resources to help communities understand their exposure to natural hazards

Ongoing

DPAC (OSEM)

DPAC is developing an online resource as part of TasALERT that will provide easy-to-understand information about the nature and extent of natural hazards affecting property. This information will be accompanied by advice on the ways in which any exposure to natural hazards can be managed, to minimise the risk of harm and maximise the development of more disaster-resilient communities.

In progress

5.3 Work with local government and regional bodies to embed climate change adaption into strategic and financial decision making

Expected completion FY 2018-19

DPAC (TCCO)

The TCCO, in partnership with the Local Government Association of Tasmania, analysed Tasmania’s 29 councils to gain a better understanding of how they consider climate-related risk in strategic planning processes, financial decision-making and associated governance arrangements.

A sample of 17 councils participated in a more detailed study that revealed the key barriers and enablers for councils in addressing climate-related risk and adaptation planning.

The TCCO will continue to work with the local government sector to better embed climate change considerations in organisational decision-making and governance.

In progress

5.4 Understand and manage the impacts of coastal hazards to existing settlements by identifying risks and developing management options

Expected completion FY 2018-19

DPAC (TCCO, OSEM)

DoJ

The TCCO is working with coastal managers to identify key issues currently faced in coastal hazards management for existing settlements and values. This work builds on the Tasmanian Coastal Adaptation Pathways Project.

In progress

5.5 Examine the impacts of climate change on bushfire risks in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area

Complete

DPAC (TCCO)

DPIPWE

DPFEM

The Tasmanian Government’s response to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area Bushfire and Climate Change Research Project was publicly released in December 2017.

The response indicates the Government’s overarching support for the recommendations contained in the final report for the Research Project, and highlights current action in relation to implementation.

The Tasmanian Government has allocated additional funding of $4 million over four years in the 2017-18 Budget for bushfire management in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. This funding is supporting the implementation of a number of the final report’s recommendations.

Complete

5.6 Work with Tasmanian Government agencies to embed climate change consideration in strategic planning, purchasing and decision making

Ongoing

DPAC (TCCO)

Treasury

The TCCO is working with agencies to identify approaches to embed climate change into government decision making. This was a key recommendation of the independent review of the Climate Change (State Action) Act 2008 and was supported by the Tasmanian Government as a priority in 2017.

In progress

5.7 Mitigate risks from bushfire by delivering a targeted program of burns to reduce fuel in areas that pose the greatest risk to the Tasmanian community

Ongoing

DPIPWE

The PWS assess fire risk using the statewide Bushfire Risk Assessment Model (BRAM). BRAM is used to identify areas of risk and then treat the areas of highest risk to the community through a targeted program of fuel reduction burns. The five-year average of fuel reduction burns on reserved land is currently 37 burns treating an area of 10,038 hectares, but has steadily been increasing since the inception of the Statewide Fuel Reduction Program.

The BRAM is currently being upgraded to allow other agencies to undertake a more rigorous assessment of the fire risk of the areas that they manage.

In progress

6.1 Legislate for a target of zero net emissions by 2050

Expected completion FY 2018-19

DPAC (TCCO)

Tasmania achieved zero net emissions in 2016, according to the most recent data released by the Australian Government in February 2018. The Tasmanian Government supports a zero net emissions target, consistent with the independent review of the Climate Change (State Action) Act 2008. The TCCO is undertaking a review of the State’s emissions pathways to 2050 to help inform an understanding of when Tasmania is likely to maintain zero net emissions.

In progress

6.2 Deliver a home energy savings program for low income households, provide energy efficiency information, and undertake energy efficiency audits and low cost upgrades

Expected completion FY 2020-21

DPAC (TCCO)

Commences in FY 2018-19.

In progress

6.3 Support the aged care sector to prepare for, and respond to, extreme heat events by developing tailored resources for aged care facilities

Complete

DoH

The TCCO partnered with Aged and Community Services Tasmania and engaged Sustainable Living Tasmania to deliver energy efficiency audits of nine aged care facilities. A range of tailored resources for the aged care sector were also developed.

Complete

6.4 Identify additional policies and programs to build community resilience to population health risks in a changing climate

Ongoing

DoH

In partnership with the TCCO, DoH will host a Climate Change Health Roundtable in 2019 engaging health experts, policy makers and key stakeholders from across Australia. The aim of the Roundtable is to help identify and prioritise policies, programs and research in climate change and health specific to the Tasmanian context.

In progress

6.5 Deliver an energy efficiency program for community sector professionals to assist clients to reduce their energy use

Complete

DPAC (TCCO)

The TCCO partnered with the Tasmanian Council of Social Service and Sustainable Living Tasmania to deliver 12 statewide workshops for financial counsellors to better assist vulnerable clients in managing their energy use and power bills. Resource materials were also developed to complement the workshops.

Complete