Fairfax newspapers are reporting that the Australian Labor Party will adopt a renewable energy goal of 50% by 2030.

The renewable energy goal will be a central plank of Labor’s party platform to be endorsed at the National Conference in Melbourne this weekend.

Friends of the Earth welcome the Australian Labor Party’s commitment to a renewable energy goal of 50% by 2030, and say the move will encourage state Labor governments to lift their renewable energy ambition.

“The Australian Labor Party’s decision to back a national goal of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030 proves it’s prepared to lead on renewables,” said Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth renewable energy spokesperson.

“Labor’s leadership position shows renewable energy has a bright future in Australia. It shows that the alternative government values renewable energy jobs, unlike the Abbott government which is actively sabotaging the sector.”

Friends of the Earth say the Australian Labor party’s renewable energy policy will encourage state counterparts to lift their renewable energy ambition.

The group says a Victorian Renewable Energy Target must be the central plank of the Daniel Andrews government’s Renewable Energy Action Plan to build wind farms and create jobs in the state.

“A Victorian Renewable Energy Target will help get shovel-ready wind farms built. It can create thousands of jobs across the state,” said Leigh Ewbank.

“If you want to make Victoria Australia’s renewable energy capital, then we can follow the lead of the ACT.”

“Wind farms in Ararat and Coonooer Bridge are being built thanks to the ACTs Renewable Energy Target of 90% by 2020. Victoria can adopt its own policies to grow renewable energy jobs.”

Friends of the Earth says a Victorian Renewable Energy Target can win cross party support.