Victorian election promises
Climate and environment policies and promises at the 2026 Victorian election
What each side says on emissions, forests, water and wildlife: first from their own policy pages and releases, then as quoted in the ads they've paid for. Labor 1, Liberal 1, Minor parties 1.
From the parties' own policies
Summaries of each party's policy pages and releases, in their words, with what they commit to. Follow the link for the full policy.
Not here yet: One Nation. We can't read their policy pages automatically, so read them on their own sites; what they say in their ads is below.
Animal Justice Party
Declare climate and biodiversity emergencies and transition from animal agriculture
The Animal Justice Party says it will declare a climate emergency and biodiversity emergency at every level of government. It says it would rapidly transition from animal agriculture to plant-based farming, phase out fossil fuels, and reserve at least 50% of the planet for nature.
- Declare a climate emergency and biodiversity emergency at every level of government
- Rapidly transition from animal agriculture to plant-based agriculture
- Reserve at least 50% of the planet for nature
- Rapidly phase out fossil fuels and transition to clean energy infrastructure
- Remove subsidies from fossil fuel and animal agriculture industries
Fire management that includes animals and cultural burning
The Animal Justice Party says it would require government authorities to include animals in fire and disaster plans, and would create partnerships with First Nations Peoples practising cultural burning to lead fire management nationwide. It also says it would act on the drivers of the climate emergency to reduce catastrophic fire risk.
- Require government authorities to include animals in fire and disaster plans
- Provide companion animal accommodation in evacuation centres
- Fund and train wildlife rescue services as part of fire responses
- Require businesses to have fire response and evacuation plans for animals in their care
- Create partnerships with First Nations Peoples practising cultural burning nationwide
Halt land clearing linked to animal agriculture
The Animal Justice Party says it would reverse land clearing by addressing its underlying causes, starting with an immediate end to clearing associated with animal agriculture. It also proposes habitat protection as a planning principle and a state-based duty of care for animals during land use changes.
- Immediate cessation of all land clearing associated with animal agriculture
- Make habitat protection a fundamental planning principle in all regions and sectors
- Amend state animal welfare laws to include an enforceable duty of care during land use changes
- Require labelling on products containing palm oil
Phase out cattle industry to protect Great Barrier Reef
The Animal Justice Party says it would phase out the cattle industry, starting with bans on further land clearing and pasture fertilisation, prioritising regions closest to the most vulnerable parts of the reef. It also says it would ban new coal and gas operations and set enforceable regulations on other industries affecting the reef, such as sugar.
- Ban further land clearing for cattle pasture
- Ban fertilisation of pasture
- Phase out the cattle industry, prioritising regions closest to the reef
- Ban any new coal and natural gas operations
- Phase out fossil fuel production and export
Protect koala habitat and restrict development
The Animal Justice Party says koalas must be protected from harm and habitat loss, and that they should not be judged by their impact on development or tourism. It lists objectives including better population estimates, road-kill mitigation, a ban on new development on koala land, and an immediate ban on logging in native forests with koala populations.
- Better estimate koala populations and locations, and review species status
- Identify koala road-kill hotspots and add overpasses, underpasses and exclusion fences
- Prohibit new housing, forestry and mining developments on land inhabited by koalas
- Abolish large public events such as car rallies and festivals in occupied koala habitat
- Place an immediate ban on logging in native forests with koala populations
Wildlife habitat and species protection measures
The Animal Justice Party says it will prohibit native forest logging and land clearing for agriculture, fund rewilding and enforcement of wildlife laws, and remove legal exemptions allowing harm to native animals. It also proposes road-safety, infrastructure and education measures for wildlife. No timeframes or costs are stated on the page.
- Prohibit native forest logging and land clearing for agriculture
- Remove exemptions allowing killing or injuring of wild animals for damage mitigation
- Reduce speed limits to lower native wildlife road deaths
- Introduce standards making infrastructure safe for wildlife, such as wildlife bridges and tunnels
- Prohibit barbed wire and cluster fencing
Victorian Greens
Bushfire prevention, management and response policy
The Victorian Greens set out principles and 47 aims on bushfires, covering safer communities, wildlife, planned burning, planning and fire emergency services. The party says its policy aims to maximise protection of human life while minimising environmental damage, and that its aims were last amended at a policy forum on 14 June 2025.
- Mandate underground power lines in all new high fire-risk developments
- Prohibit use of fire-igniting machinery on total fire ban days, except life-saving services
- Provide rebates for installation of residential fire safety systems
- Minimise back burns and cease burning out unburnt islands after fires
- Increase research funding on fire and the environment
End coal and gas, build publicly owned renewables
The Victorian Greens say they will end coal and gas, ban oil and gas drilling in Victoria's oceans, and build publicly owned renewables through the State Electricity Commission. They say they will bring energy back into public hands to cut bills, with $2 billion extra for the SEC and a $1 billion climate seed fund.
- Ban oil and gas drilling in Victoria's oceans, including Labor's drilling near the 12 Apostles
- Ensure Yallourn's four coal-burning units close as planned in 2028
- Provide an immediate extra $2 billion for the State Electricity Commission
- Put solar panels on schools, public housing estates and government buildings
- Establish a publicly owned energy retailer within the SEC
Forests policy: end native logging and shift to plantations
The Victorian Greens say Victoria's public native forests should be protected and managed mainly for climate, water, biodiversity and recreation. They propose a transition from native forest logging to plantation and recycled timber only, with a maximum five-year transition period, worker retraining and an end to native timber exports and woodchip exports.
- Transition to plantation and recycled timber only, with transition arrangements of maximum 5 years
- End all timber extraction in native forests as part of that transition
- Blanket ban on using wood for generating electricity
- End export of woodchips and whole logs from native forests
- End logging in high-conservation value forests and town water catchments
State climate change policy principles and mitigation and adaptation aims
The Victorian Greens set out principles and aims for state climate policy, including net zero or negative emissions, ending reliance on fossil fuels, a ban on new fossil fuel exploration and new fossil-fuel power stations, and adaptation measures. The page sets no dates or costs, and says the policy was adopted by members on 4 October 2025.
- Achieve net zero or negative total greenhouse gas emissions across all areas of human activity
- Develop a detailed plan to end Victoria's reliance on fossil fuels
- Ban exploration and development of new fossil fuel resources, including coal seam gas
- Ban new fossil-fuel based power stations and regulate phasing out existing coal-fired power stations
- Provide transitional support for regions, businesses and communities affected by emissions measures
Make coal and gas polluters liable for climate change damage
The Victorian Greens say their bill would make major coal and gas emitters legally liable for climate change damage, letting victims sue for financial damages and letting courts order emissions cuts or shutdowns. They also say they would double coal and gas royalties and cancel fossil fuel subsidies and tax exemptions to fund a $3000 Greens Power voucher for renters and homeowners.
- Introduce Liability for Climate Change Damage (Make Polluters Pay) Bill 2026
- Create duty of care for fossil fuel producers and coal-fired power plant operators over 1 million tonnes emissions in any 12-month period since 1 September 1990
- Allow courts to impose damages and injunctions forcing emissions cuts or shutdowns
- Double coal and gas royalties
- Cancel subsidies and tax exemptions for fossil fuel projects
End new coal and gas projects in Victoria
The Victorian Greens say they are calling for an end to new coal and gas projects, arguing that Labor's approvals and fast-tracking of fossil fuel projects will worsen extreme heat and weather. The release does not set out a costed plan or timeline.
- End new coal and gas projects in Victoria
Victorian Government
Funding for roadside weed and pest control on rural roads
The Victorian Government says it is giving 45 councils up to $85,000 each to manage harmful weeds and pests along rural and regional roads before the fire season. Councils can use the funding for weeds such as blackberry, boxthorn and serrated tussock, and for rabbit populations.
- Provide up to $85,000 each to 45 councils
- Fund treatment of blackberry, boxthorn and serrated tussock on roadsides
- Fund management of rabbit populations along rural and regional roads
- Local Government Victoria and Agriculture Victoria to work with each council on tailored plans
Urban tree canopy and urban arbours in Melbourne's west
The Victorian Government says it is investing $190,000 to create tree canopy at four sites in western Melbourne through the More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West program. The projects include a realigned turning lane on Williamstown Road, urban arbours at tram stops and a train platform, and it says the program will reach 500,000 planted trees by the end of 2026.
- Invest $190,000 to create tree canopy at four sites in western Melbourne
- Realign a turning lane on Williamstown Road between West Footscray and Seddon for green space
- Install two urban arbours at tram stops in Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley
- Install an urban arbour on a platform at Glenbervie Station in Essendon
- Reach 500,000 planted trees under the program by the end of 2026
Wodonga Offtake Protection Levee for water supply flood protection
The Victorian Government says the new Wodonga Offtake Protection Levee, jointly funded with the Australian Government, will protect the upgraded Wodonga Offtake Pump Station from major floods. The levee is designed to keep the sole water supply for about 25,000 residential customers and commercial industries operating during flood events.
- Protect the Wodonga Offtake Pump Station from significant floods
- Keep water supply running for about 25,000 residential customers during major flooding
- Support councils to prepare for floods through Catchment Management Authorities
Water corporations to be powered by 100% renewable electricity by end of 2025
The Victorian Government says all 18 water corporations are on schedule to source all their electricity from renewable sources by the end of 2025. It says corporations have set a net-zero target by 2035, with more than half aiming for 2030.
- All 18 Victorian water corporations to source all electricity from renewables by end of 2025
- Water corporations to reach net-zero emissions by 2035, with more than half targeting 2030
- Zero Emissions Water collective to purchase up to 7,000MWh from Kiamal Solar Farm
Junior Landcare and Biodiversity grants for young Victorians
The Victorian Government says it awarded $450,000 in grants to 111 youth projects across schools, Scouts, Guides and youth groups. Grants of up to $5,000 fund nature-based education and on-ground habitat projects.
- Award $450,000 in grants to 111 projects
- Grants of up to $5,000 per project
- Fund nature-based educational activities for children
- Fund on-ground projects restoring habitat for native plants and animals
The Nationals
Fund Queensland Fruit Fly management in Goulburn Murray Valley
The Nationals say an elected Liberals and Nationals Government would provide $1 million a year over four years to the Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Area Wide Management Program to manage Queensland Fruit Fly. The party says this would protect local growers, horticultural businesses and regional jobs.
- Provide $1 million annually over four years to the Goulburn Murray Valley Fruit Fly Area Wide Management Program
- Manage Queensland Fruit Fly in the Goulburn Murray Valley region
Ongoing funding for Goulburn Murray Valley fruit fly program
The Liberals and Nationals say they would commit $4 million over four years to the Goulburn Murray Valley Queensland Fruit Fly Area Wide Management Program to provide long-term certainty for the region's horticulture industry. The release says the program combines surveillance, targeted responses and community education.
- Commit $4 million over four years to the Goulburn Murray Valley Queensland Fruit Fly Area Wide Management Program
- Provide ongoing rather than short-term funding for the fruit fly program
Victorian Labor
Urban forest and pocket parks for Carrum Downs
Victorian Labor says a re-elected Labor government will invest $200,000 to deliver more shade and green space in Carrum Downs. The release says the investment will fund tree-lined boulevards, an urban forest and pocket parks.
- Invest $200,000 in green space for Carrum Downs
- Deliver tree-lined boulevards in Carrum Downs
- Deliver an urban forest in Carrum Downs
- Deliver pocket parks in Carrum Downs
Expand Victorian Indigenous Nursery Co-Op production capacity
Victorian Labor says a re-elected Carroll Labor Government will invest $2 million to expand production capacity at the Victorian Indigenous Nursery Co-Op. The party says this will help the nursery grow more local indigenous plants for biodiversity restoration across Melbourne.
- Invest $2 million to expand nursery production capacity
- Grow more local indigenous plants for biodiversity restoration across Melbourne
- Expand the nursery site to increase propagation capacity
Victorian Socialists
Accelerate climate action and fossil fuel phase-out
Victorian Socialists say they will set tougher emissions targets, bring forward the Loy Yang A closure, reverse the 2025 offshore gas program and ban new fossil fuel projects. They also propose an all-electric transition, public renewables ownership and urban heat adaptation, funded by those who have profited from pollution.
- Reduce emissions 75 percent below 2005 levels by 2030
- Achieve zero-carbon economy by 2035 and net-negative emissions by 2040
- Close Loy Yang A no later than 2030 rather than 2035
- Reverse the Allan government's 2025 offshore gas exploration program
- Prohibit development of all new fossil fuel projects, onshore and offshore
Western suburbs toxic waste taskforce and regulator funding
Victorian Socialists say they back a rally demanding full funding for Fire Rescue Victoria and the EPA, protection for affected workers, and a western suburbs toxic waste taskforce with an audit and health study. The party's position follows the Derrimut chemical factory fire of 10 July 2024.
- Fully fund Fire Rescue Victoria so it can safely respond to major incidents
- Ensure workers affected by fires receive financial and health support
- Fully fund regulators such as the EPA
- Set up a western suburbs toxic waste taskforce
- Carry out an immediate, well-resourced audit of every facility
Legalise Cannabis Party
Hemp-based products to reduce plastic and emissions
The Legalise Cannabis Party says hemp and bio-based materials could help reduce plastic pollution, carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, and could support regional jobs and investment. The page describes these as broad environmental benefits and gives no specific timeline.
- Transition to biofuel power stations to lower emissions
- Reduce dependence on mining to protect water tables
In their ads
Labor 1 promise
Wildlife veterinary funding
A re-elected Labor Government will commit $900,000 to Wildlife Victoria Travelling Vet Service.
Liberal 1 promise
Tree protection
A Jess Wilson-led Liberal and Nationals Government will restore SLO9 in Whitehorse.
Minor parties 1 promise
National parks
Protect our native forests and create more national parks.
No climate and environment promises in ads from Nationals or Greens or Independents yet. That's what they've advertised, not necessarily their policy.
Recent votes in parliament on climate and environment
What MPs actually voted for, from Hansard.
Forest management
Voting yes supported a motion noting concerns about Forest Fire Management Victoria tree-felling and calling on the government to commit to transparency over those operations, including recording which trees are removed and why.
Defeated 8 to 28
Parks and Public Land Legislation Amendment (Central West and Other Matters) Bill 2025: instruction to committee
Voting yes supported giving the committee power to consider an amendment to the Forests Act 1958 letting the secretary enter agreements about preventing, suppressing and recovering from fires, in the Parks and Public Land Legislation Amendment (Central West and Other Matters) Bill 2025.
Passed 22 to 17
Climate change: motions
Defeated 7 to 32
Climate change: motions
Defeated 16 to 22
Sustainable Forests (Timber) Repeal Bill 2024: third reading
Voting yes supported the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Repeal Bill 2024 passing its third reading, which means the bill would be passed by the Legislative Council.
Passed 20 to 12
Sustainable Forests (Timber) Repeal Bill 2024: committee
Voting yes supported adding a new clause to the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Repeal Bill 2024, though the clause's content is not described in the available details.
Defeated 12 to 20
Other topics
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- Energy
- All victorian election promises
Policy summaries are written by AI from each party's own page and checked against it; every commitment listed appears on the page. Ad quotes are taken from the ads' text and video by AI and grouped by subject; "See the ad" opens the original. How this works.