The 2015 Independent Review of the Climate Change Act 2010 has prompted the adoption of bold measures by Victoria's Andrews government.

The Victorian government has set itself the ambitious goal of becoming a net zero greenhouse gas state by mid-century as part of its broad acceptance of recommendations made by last year’s independent review of the 2010 Climate Change Act.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Climate and Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio have unveiled a range of support policies for achieving the long-term emissions target, including a pledge program applicable to both public and private sector organisations and plans to raise the adaptability and responsiveness of the state’s climate change strategies.

In response to the recommendations of the 2015 Independent Review of the Climate Change Act 2010, the Andrews government will amend the Climate Change Act (CCA) to require the creation of a new Victorian Climate Change Strategy every five years.

Victoria will require the creation of integrated Adaptation Action Plans for those sectors of the economy that are particularly climate exposed, and will make climate mitigation and adaption an integral part of future policy-formation.

The Andrews government has also unveiled a pledge program called TAKE2, which is designed to encourage emissions reductions across the economy and will be applicable to members of the public, private and community sectors.

In addition to raising the profile of organisations that show greater initiative in tackling climate change, TAKE2 will also enable participating groups to have their say on a 2020 interim emissions reduction target for Victoria which the Andrews government hopes to unveil before 2017.

While detractors often complain that measures designed to combat climate change will weigh heavily on growth, Premier Daniel Andrews said the introduction of legislative measures aimed at emissions reductions will help Victoria to benefit economically from the renewable energy sector.

“Updating our laws and introducing a target to reduce emissions in Victoria will ensure we take advantage of new jobs and economic opportunities created by renewable energy,” he said.