The announcement of a Victorian Renewable Energy Target by the Andrews government has given regional communities across the state hope that more renewable energy projects can get off the ground, boosting investment and job creation.

Federally, the Abbott-led Coalition has cost Australia’s renewable energy sector dearly. On the Prime Minister’s watch, investment has collapsed by 90 per cent and over 2,500 people working in the sector have lost their job.

Not content with its savage 20 per cent cut to the national Renewable Energy Target, the Abbott government has dictated to the Clean Energy Finance Corporation that it can no longer invest in wind farms and rooftop solar power.

In light of this, leadership from the states is turning around the fortunes of the renewable energy sector. A VRET of  at least 20% by 2020 sets a baseline for investment, however for some this is just the first step in allowing for further development of community energy projects.

Blair Donaldson from South Gippsland writes:

Daniel Andrews is to be congratulated for setting a VRET of 20% renewable energy by 2020. It’s a stark contrast to the denial and lack of leadership demonstrated by the federal government.

 

More wind farms and solar projects in rural areas will help country communities benefit from decentralised electricity generation, provide landholders and councils with additional income and help evolve industry and jobs associated with renewables.

 

Hopefully it will also spur development of community owned energy projects. A 20% target is just the start however and sets a base for the state to build on. We must do more and quickly.

The government will finalise state Renewable Energy Targets for 2020 and 2025 later this year. It can look at where other states are heading to ensure we pick the target that’s right for Victoria.

The ACT has a renewable energy target of 90 per cent by 2020; South Australia 50 per cent by 2025; and Queensland, 50 percent by 2030. Federally, the Labor opposition has committed to a national goal of 50 per cent by 2030.

Victorian targets that match the ambition of the ACT or South Australia would be welcomed by the community. And it would ensure Victoria is not out-competed by other states.

Ambitious renewable energy targets will create jobs, unleash investment, and encourage action on climate change. This is something all Victorian political parties can support.

If you’d like to join our call for the government to lift the ambition of Victorian Renewable Energy Targets, here are some simple steps you can take…

TAKE ACTION:

• Have your say on Victoria’s Renewable Energy Targets. Send a submission to the Victorian government today and tell them where you think our state should be heading.
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