Hon Tim Clifford inquires about a 'WA first' policy for carbon offsets to benefit the state economically and environmentally. The government acknowledges the potential benefits and highlights existing support for carbon farming while indicating future policy will incorporate climate-related initiatives.

AnsweredQoN 2611Legislative Council
Asked
24 October 2019
Portfolio
Environment

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the Regional Prosperity section of the Climate Change In Western Australia Issues Paper, specifically the discussion around carbon offsets, and I ask: (a) will the State Government implement a Western Australia, first policy for carbon offsets to ensure Western Australia benefits form the economic and environmental opportunities; (b) if yes to (a), when is such policy likely to be implemented; and (c) if no to (a), please explain why the State Government will not formally support this emerging industry in Western Australia?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
29 November 2019
Responded by
Minister for Environment
Response time
11 days
(a)–(c)  As set out in the Climate Change in Western Australia - Issues Paper activities in Western Australia which generate greenhouse gas emission offsets (‘carbon offsets’) can deliver a range of environmental, social and economic benefits including regional diversification, Aboriginal employment and biodiversity conservation.
The Government has already taken steps to support carbon farming in Western Australia, including providing in principle support for eligible offset projects using grazing management techniques and the human-induced regeneration on pastoral lease land. While consultation is still underway to inform the State Climate Policy, it will capture key climate-related initiatives already established or in progress across Government and new climate change opportunities and actions, as appropriate.

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