South Australia has responded well to the threats of climate change, being a world leader in the integration of renewable electricity into our networks, actively encouraging the development of “green” hydrogen and deploying water efficient agriculture approaches.
However, the poor quality of some rental housing stock is harming lower income and vulnerable people. “As a major service provider supporting lower income and vulnerable people, we are acutely aware that these are the people who are most heavily impacted by climate change. Low income households are faced with rising energy bills to respond to extreme temperatures from living in low energy efficiency rental housing and using inefficient heating and cooling appliances. Furthermore they are at greater risk of deteriorating health and with associated poorer mental health due to the poor quality of their accommodation ,” said Mr Schrapel.
New data developed by Deloitte Access Economics finds that a National Low-income Energy Productivity Program (NLEPP) could create 22,000 full time equivalent jobs needed to deliver the Program. In addition, the Program could create:
an additional 1,800 jobs by delivering energy efficiency and solar to low-income homes
deliver an additional 4.9 billion in gross domestic product.
deliver a 17% higher economic impact than an equivalent program delivered across a broader base.
Mr Schrapel added “Uniting Communities is joining with over 50 other community organisations across Australia today to call for action on reducing climate change impacts, because vulnerable and low income people are the most impacted. The SA Government should prioritise the adoption of stronger energy efficiency standards and implementation of a Low-income Energy Productivity Program priorities for South Australia.
A well targeted regulatory requirement that helps lift the standards of South Australia’s poorest private rental properties will benefit many thousands of South Australians – many of whom are already trapped in paying exorbitant rents for substandard accommodation.
