12:00a.m. 14th May 2008

Sunshine Coast environmentalists said measures to tackle climate change announced in last night’s budget fell well short of what was required.

Federal treasurer Wayne Swan had aimed to cement Labor’s credentials on the issue in the budget, and has allocated $2.3 billion over five years for a series of projects and incentives.

Big-ticket items included $500 million over eight years for a national clean-coal fund, $150 million for an energy innovation fund and a $100 Community Coast Program for regions vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The budget included low-interest loans and rebates to encourage homeowners to embrace greater energy and water efficiency.

Mr Swan also confirmed the government’s plan to establish a $100 million national manufacturing network, a $15 million Clean Energy Export Strategy and $20 million for a Clean Energy Enterprise Connect Centre.

Sunshine Coast Environment Council general manager Ian Christesen said he was underwhelmed.

Mr Christesen said many of the rebates already existed under the previous government and in some cases had been scaled back.

He said he was particularly disappointed that Labor had chosen to plunge half a billion dollars into a clean-coal fund instead of investing substantial sums in renewable energy.

Related:

> Coast missed out in budget, MPs say

> Australian Government Budget website

> Swan sells 2008 federal Budget

> Seniors feel snubbed by Treasurer