Australian Governments must demonstrate their commitment to act on global warming and greenhouse gas reductions by ensuring all new publicly funded projects are built on sustainable energy principals and operated with renewable energy inputs.

The WA Sustainable Energy Association Inc. (WA SEA) calls on the Western Australian State Government to immediately commit to powering Perth's existing and new electric trains with green energy.

"WA SEA is delighted with the Premier's commitment to expand Perth's public transport network, but there is a clear gap - the Western Australian Government continues to ignore the greenhouse gas implications of new project announcements," says Dr Ray Wills, CEO of WA SEA.

"While improvements in public transport will contribute to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the new infrastructure and the growth of our urban sprawl around the train network will increase emissions - unless we ensure new projects are carbon neutral."

"As we grow our State, we must ensure our own actions don't cost the Earth. The Carpenter Government must commit to build all new infrastructure projects to be icons of energy efficiency, designed on principals of zero waste, and be powered by renewable energy," says Dr Wills.

"This applies not just to the rail network expansion, but of course to all new projects in the array of infrastructure developments already announced by the Carpenter Government - museums, hospitals and, of course, the new stadium."

"To respond to climate change, our plans and actions need to always include outcomes that contribute to a response to global warming. The Government is properly advertising its Act Now for the Future, but there is little evidence of the Government taking its own advice," says Dr Wills.

"The Premier's Climate Action Statement web page includes Alan Carpenter's top ten tips - the number one tip is 'use accredited green power: one of the best ways to reduce your carbon emissions is to sign up to electricity from renewable energy sources…'; WA SEA calls on the Premier to simply take his own advice - for all government operations including the passenger rail network," says Dr Wills.

WA Sustainable Energy Association Inc. (WA SEA) Media Release - 30 June 2008

Media Contact:
Dr Ray Wills 0430 365 607

Editors notes:
1. Premier's Climate Action Statement web page http://www.actnow.wa.gov.au/act-now/about/premiers-climate-change-statement.html