By Charlene Gatt
BRIMBANK residents could be paying $1000 more for carbon-based energy than other local government areas under the Australian Government’s proposed emissions trading scheme, according to new research.
A Brotherhood of St Lawrence report has estimated that carbon use in Brimbank is more than 10 per cent above the state average. Melton, Cardinia, Whittlesea and the Yarra Ranges recorded similarly high levels. The report, which mapped low-income households in local government areas around the state, attributed the increased usage to fewer services and poor or non-existent public transport.
The report said the emissions trading scheme, which would put a price on carbon and other greenhouse gas generation to encourage the use of renewable energy sources, would prove a financial burden on low socio-economic households.
It estimates that the five areas will pay between $1164 and $1220 more a year at a projected carbon price of $35 a tonne.
“Imposing a carbon price will take a much bigger proportion of the income of poorer households than wealthy households, despite smaller ‘carbon footprints’,” he said, Brotherhood Executive Director Tony Nicholson said.
“We are heading for a ‘catch 22’ situation. Many people on low incomes live in areas that lack public transport and … are forced to rely on cars, which will become more costly with the price of carbon. They also often drive older cars that use more petrol, putting further strain on household budgets.”
Mr Nicholson said that while carbon emissions trading was a must for the environment, low socio-economic local government areas like Brimbank will need assistance in reducing carbon emissions.
