Carbon trading costs struggling Yarra Valley families
Bryan Allchin
12May08
YARRA Ranges residents could be left financially worse off than other Victorians when Australia implements its carbon trading scheme.
According to research conducted by the Brotherhood of St Lawrence, low income residents in the Yarra Ranges would be up to $1220 worse off each year, compared to the average of $938.
The federal government plans to implement a national carbon emissions trading scheme by the end of 2010.
The Brotherhood of St Laurence research is based on a levy of $35 being imposed for each tonne of carbon emitted.
Brotherhood executive director Tony Nicholson said Yarra Ranges residents would be worse off because of poor public transport in the area.
"Many people on low incomes live in areas that lack public transport and services such as hospitals and government offices because accommodation is cheaper, but are forced to rely on cars, which will become more costly with a price on carbon," he said.
"They also often drive older cars that use more petrol, putting further strain on household budgets."
Communities Combating Climate Crisis (c4) Healesville president Steve Meacher said the cost to people on low incomes could be mitigated by other measures.
"It is essential that as we change our practices to combat climate change that we ensure there is a focus on social justice," Mr Meacher said.
"We could change the tax system to ensure that low income families are not left worse off."
