A clean energy future is part of a long term plan to reshape our economy, cut carbon pollution, drive innovation, and help avoid the increased costs of delaying action on climate change.
The Clean Energy Future website has been developed to communicate the Australian Government's plan for creating a prosperous and sustainable Australia. The website includes information on the carbon price; renewable energy; energy efficiency; and land use, and how these four elements will work together to ensure a Clean Energy Future for Australia.
The website is the Australian Government's official website on a Clean Energy Future and was launched by Prime Minister Julia Gillard on 10 July 2011.
These programs will support jobs and keep Australian industry strong while creating incentives to invest in clean energy and energy efficiency. This will ensure the Australian economy remains competitive in a world which is moving to reduce carbon pollution.
The Australian Government's Clean Energy Future plan announced in July 2011 provides transitional assistance for businesses and industry including through the $8.6 billion Jobs and Competitiveness Program, the $1.2 billion Clean Technology Program, the $300 million Steel Transformation Plan and the $1.3 billion Coal Sector Jobs Package. The $1.2 billion Clean Technology Program provides incentives for business to reduce emissions and invest in clean energy through the following three components:
- Clean Technology Investment Program
- Clean Technology - Food and Foundries Investment Program
- Clean Technology Innovation Program
The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research currently administers programs to provide advisory and other non‑financial assistance to businesses. These include the Industry Capability Network, Supplier Advocates and Enterprise Connect.
The Government will provide an additional $5 million over four years for the delivery of these programs to small and medium businesses in clean technology industries. This will enhance the clean technology focus of industry supply chains, which will help local businesses secure contracts for major projects.
The Steel Transformation Plan will support innovation, investment, and production in the Australian steel manufacturing industry. In a greener economy, this will help the industry transform, become increasingly efficient and economically sustainable. The aim is to improve environmental outcomes and reduce the carbon footprint of the steel manufacturing industry.
The Government has allocated $300 million to the plan over the first four years of a carbon price.
Existing climate change programs
In addition to the above programs announced under the Clean Energy Future package, the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, already has a number of existing initiatives to assist business and industry address the impacts of climate change.