The ACT government has initiated community consultation for a new climate change strategy, with a strong emphasis on reducing transport emissions by encouraging Canberrans to decrease petrol-powered car trips and transition to electric vehicles, buses, and light rail. This move comes as part of broader efforts to achieve a resilient, zero-emissions territory.
Focus on Transport and Adaptation
Climate Change Minister Suzanne Orr announced the start of the consultation process, highlighting that a resilient, zero-emissions territory requires coordinated action from government, households, businesses, and community groups. She pointed to recent extreme heat events as evidence of the urgent need for both emissions reduction and climate adaptation measures.
"We are already experiencing the impacts of a changing climate, like yesterday's extreme heat. That's why this strategy will focus not only on cutting emissions, but also on helping communities adapt. We need cooler, greener neighbourhoods, climate-ready homes, resilient infrastructure and strong local support networks," Ms Orr stated.
Two-Part Strategy Framework
The new strategy will consist of two main components: a framework outlining vision and principles, and a list of shorter-term actions specifically designed to reduce emissions and prepare the territory for a warmer climate. A discussion paper released alongside the announcement identifies transport and gas as one of the largest emission sectors in the ACT, marking it as a key focus for the next decade.
The paper acknowledges that while progress has been made, the ACT has not met its interim emissions reduction target of 50-60 per cent by 2025. Recent projections indicate the territory is not on track to meet future legislated targets, underscoring the need for more aggressive action.
Challenges in Transport Emissions
According to the discussion paper, the transport network must accommodate a growing population, with most emissions in Canberra stemming from private vehicle use. It notes that electric vehicles may not be suitable for all budgets and lifestyles currently, but this is expected to change over time. The paper encourages individuals to make a difference by opting for public transport, walking, or cycling where possible.
Ms Orr had previously warned that the ACT is on track to miss its 2025 emissions reduction target, necessitating greater community involvement in climate preparedness. "Where we're moving into now, there's probably going to be more asks on people within our community to actually have a think about how they go about their day. And that's going to be transport. It's also going to be, as we look through adaptation measures, when we play sport. We can't necessarily do it in the hottest part of the day," she explained in an October 2025 interview.
Criticism from Environmental Groups
Conservation Council ACT executive director Simon Copland criticised the discussion paper as vague and lacking in new goals or credible plans. "We are in the middle of a heatwave being fueled by global heating. At a time when climate impacts are intensifying, and the community expects real leadership, this discussion paper offers no new goals and no credible plan to get us there," Dr Copland said.
He described the paper as "a hastily put-together placeholder - not a framework for action." The Conservation Council advocates for bringing the ACT's net-zero emissions target forward by five years to 2040 and accelerating efforts to adapt urban areas to extreme weather.
Political Responses
Andrew Braddock, the Greens' climate adaptation spokesman, accused the ACT government of falling behind under Labor's leadership. "Now is the opportunity for Canberrans to push Labor for strong climate action. Canberrans want more than 'no backward steps'," he said, referencing Labor's failure to draft a new strategy before the previous one expired during a 41-degree heatwave.
"It's pretty clear we need Canberra to be more resilient to extreme heat. We also have a huge task ahead of us to get to net zero emissions," Mr Braddock added.
Consultation Period and Next Steps
Community consultation on the new ACT climate strategy is open until March 18, 2026. This period allows residents, businesses, and organisations to provide input on the proposed measures, which aim to balance emissions reduction with adaptation to a changing climate.
The strategy's success will depend on widespread participation and commitment from all sectors of the community, as the territory works towards its long-term environmental goals.
