Victoria positioned as an Asia Pacific carbon trading hub

In preparation of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development has released the Melbourne Carbon Market Services Guide.

The Guide will serve not only as a valuable reference for Victorian businesses requiring carbon trading services, but also further position Victoria as an Asia Pacific carbon trading hub, along with the establishment of a new taskforce.

Melbourne Carbon Market Services Guide
Announcing the launch of the Guide on October 17th, Acting Minister for Industry and Trade, John Lenders, said "It is important to recognise that climate change represents significant opportunities for business as well as risks and challenges and the Brumby Labor Government is working with industry to help it take advantage of these opportunities."

The Guide was developed to help Victorian businesses take advantage of the opportunities available when the Carbon Trading Scheme commences in 2010 and mitigate risks. "The State Government is taking action to ensure Victoria and its industries capitalise on emerging carbon trading opportunities," Mr Lenders said.

"With strong green capabilities and the lion's share of Australia's heavy industry and energy markets, Victoria has the opportunity to foster this new industry, creating jobs, skills and unique business opportunities."

The Guide includes a directory of Victorian firms offering carbon trading and associated services such as monitoring, reporting and verification. The directory already lists 86 organisations and will be regularly updated.

The Melbourne Carbon Market Services Guide is available for download at: www.business.vic.gov.au/carbonmarket.

Melbourne Carbon Markets Taskforce
Prior to the release of the Carbon Market Services Guide, the Melbourne Carbon Markets Taskforce was established. The Taskforce, made up of key industry, business and community leaders, will undertake strategic planning at state and federal levels.

According to Mr Lenders, the intention of the taskforce is to build Victoria's economic case to become the home of key carbon market activities. He says, "The capabilities listed in the Melbourne Carbon Market Services Guide underline the strength of our case and the taskforce will now set about developing and promoting that case."

"Our competitive advantages in key sectors such as financial services, research and consulting and our strong international linkages make us an ideal hub for carbon market activity, not just within Australia but across the Asia Pacific region," he said.

Compiled by: DIIRD and Mae Ercolani of EPA Victoria