News that 100 Victorian wind workers have been sacked due the Coalition’s attack on renewable energy underscores the need for a state Renewable Energy Target. The job losses at Portland’s Keppel Prince Engineering occur in Premier Denis Napthine’s own electorate.

“Keppel Prince’s announcement is terrible news for the state, but is not surprising given the havoc the Abbott and Napthine governments have wreaked on the renewable energy sector,” said Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth’s renewable energy spokesperson.

“These jobs can be saved, but only with a Victorian Renewable Energy Target.”

“The fate of the wind workers of Portland now rests on political leadership from Premier Napthine and opposition leader Daniel Andrews.”

The Victorian Greens have endorsed Friends of the Earth’s call for a Victorian Renewable Energy Target to work alongside the national scheme. The Victorian Labor party has conditionally supported reintroducing a VRET if the Abbott government axes the national RET.

“Victoria desperately need its own Renewable Energy Target,” added Leigh Ewbank.

“The ACT has a renewables target of 90% by 2020. South Australia’s target has been lifted to 50% by 2025. Victoria doesn’t have a target and it’s costing jobs.”

“A Victorian Renewable Energy Target will create jobs and unleash investment in Victoria – which is something all political parties can support.”

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