Bundaberg Moves Towards Net Zero by 2030

Queensland’s Bundaberg Regional Council has endorsed a report in relation to the entire region achieving net zero emissions by the end of the decade – and renewables will of course play a major role.

Back in October last year, Council committed to introducing a “circular economy”¹ and achieving a net zero carbon target for the local government area by 2030. At Council’s Ordinary Meeting last week, a related report titled “Towards Net Zero Bundaberg” was endorsed.

Renewable Energy A Heavy Lifter

The report (starts page 7) includes 55 actions that will help the Bundaberg region decarbonise its economy.

Council says 65 per cent of emission reductions required for the region to reach its net zero target could come from renewable energy investment proposed by the private sector.

“Enabling this renewable energy uptake into the grid will require advocacy by Council to ensure the region’s utility providers are ready and transitioning the grid to support the creation and distribution of more renewable energy within the region,” the organisation states.

As for the remaining 35 per cent, this may require up-front investment by Bundaberg Regional Council, local businesses, households, and individuals. Council sees the biggest opportunity for addressing this portion as being strong uptake of low- and zero-emissions vehicles.

Doing Nothing Not An Option

Slashing emissions isn’t just about playing a part in addressing the increasing threats of climate change.

“Put simply, if the region isn’t prepared for a net zero future, a number of harmful and avoidable costs will impact the region,” says Council. “Some of the costs of inaction include costs from changing legislation, from a corporate shift to net zero, from a reliance on fossil fuels for energy production and their rising costs, and potential opportunity costs of lost regional funding, investment, and jobs.”

Community Involvement

Realising the goal will not be possible without a whole-of-region approach says Council. While the organisation stresses community involvement is voluntary, examples of participation might include decisions such as installing solar panels or choosing to purchase an electric car.

The community already has a bunch of experience in the former, helped along by some great solar installers servicing Bundaberg. In fact, Bundaberg is a national leader in small-scale solar power uptake. More than 18,789 systems have been installed in the 4670 postcode area to date, with a collective capacity of 96,285 kilowatts² – or 96.285 megawatts. This works out to more than 1.2 kW of PV per person.

Community education sessions will start being held early in 2023.  As well as the report linked to above, more information on the Towards Net Zero Bundaberg initiative can be found here, where residents and other interested parties can subscribe to keep up to date with what’s happening.