The long-awaited Sector Pathway Review Project assesses decarbonisation options across six sectors: electricity and energy; transport; industry and waste; agriculture and land; resources; and built environment. It identifies barriers and proposes strategies and actions to address them.
Launching the findings of the review, Chair of the Climate Change Authority Matt Kean acknowledged that good progress has been made to decarbonise the energy sector and roll out firmed renewables. “But to achieve a rapid and orderly transition to net zero, all sectors of the economy, along with all levels of government, must plan and act together,” he said.
The review found that reducing emissions with existing technologies is far more effective than waiting for future breakthroughs. “Waiting for new, better, cheaper technologies is tantamount to choosing to continue to emit,” the report’s authors note. Immediate action can create “virtuous cycles” where learning and improvements rapidly lower costs, as seen in renewable energy deployment.
“The transition to net zero isn’t just about adopting new technologies,” says Consult Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Cartledge. “It’s about making smart, timely decisions on how we design, build and operate infrastructure. Decarbonising electricity is key, but we also need to shift our thinking toward circular economy principles and sustainable practices across the entire project lifecycle.
“For Consult Australia’s members, this means influencing design choices and collaborating across sectors to ensure that every new project supports Australia’s net zero goals.”
Among the report’s recommendations is to “accelerate the deployment of net zero infrastructure” by reforming planning and approvals, coordinating business engagement, and fast-tracking renewable energy zones.
“We are really pleased to see the Climate Change Authority recognise the importance of taking an ‘integrated, placed-based’ approach to infrastructure delivery. This means working in partnership with industry and communities to get the best outcomes for people and the planet.”