Member for Calare Andrew Gee has thrown his support behind the National Party's decision on net zero emissions by 2050, adding the inclusion of "the bush" in the plan is a crucial step.
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"Safeguard" reviews and billions of dollars in investments have been agreed by federal cabinet as part of the government's plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Productivity Commission would undertake reviews of the economic impact of the policy every five years.
"It will be a safeguard for rural and regional Australia," he told The Australian on Tuesday, adding it would provide "accountability" for the government's emissions plan.
"We will track what our emissions are but we will also track what our economic performance is."
Further details of the net-zero plan will be announced later on Tuesday, ahead of Mr Morrison travelling to the global COP26 climate summit in Glasgow later this week.
I'm glad to say that the bush is now a part of the picture.
- Member for Calare Andrew Gee
Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said the plan would involve $80 billion of public and private sector investment between now and 2030.
Mr Gee said the decision was made after some "very constructive, positive and worthwhile debate".
"The reality is that up until last week, there was no focus on how a net zero target would impact country communities across Australia," he said.
"This week, I'm glad to say that the bush is now a part of the picture.
"I fought for specific local planning initiatives for the future of country communities and to guard and protect regional interests and jobs. People in the country should not have to wear the cost or carry the can for city people on this issue."
He said taxing regional businesses and industries out of existence and restricting the rights of farmers is not the way forward.
Mr Gee added there needs to be proper planning and support to "get the best possible result" out of the opportunities now in front of regional Australia.
"We need to be looking to the future, for our kids and grandkids, to find solutions that work for both the environment and country communities. For me, this process has been an important step in doing just that," he said.
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