A consortium of organisations have published a report titled Putting jobs-rich climate solutions at the centre of Victoria’s economic recovery from COVID-19, outlining a range of policies to help a post-COVID recovery.
The Australian Wind Alliance, Australian Conservation Foundation, Beyond Zero Emissions, Climate Council, Environment Victoria, Friends of the Earth Melbourne and WWF Australia published the report to outline how Victoria has an opportunity to create jobs, address climate change and provide energy security for the state once the health crisis is under control.
The key policy measure is to increase renewable energy generation, supply chains and jobs through the successful vehicle of the Victorian Renewable Energy Target. This one measure could “unlock local employment, training and manufacturing opportunities,” the report states.
Keppel Prince Engineering has shown Victoria can manufacture renewable energy components, while clear government policy could see manufacturing jobs created throughout the state.
The Australian Wind Alliance said Victoria is lucky to have some of the best solar and wind (both on and offshore) resources in the world. Regional communities can be the biggest winners of the energy transition with job creation, community engagement and benefit-sharing initiatives that maximise benefits for regional communities from wind, solar and transmission.
Western Victoria and the Latrobe Valley have been identified as well placed to benefit from the energy transition.
To read the report, click here.
