MEDIA RELEASE 10.03.2017: Expanded wind turbine production in Portland shows Vic Renewable Energy Target already creating jobs

Friends of the Earth say expanded wind turbine tower production at Keppel Prince in Portland — Australia’s leading wind turbine tower maker – demonstrates that the Andrews government’s commitment to ambitious Victorian Renewable Energy Targets is already creating jobs in regional communities.

“Expanded turbine tower production at Keppel Prince is welcome news for Portland and all Victorians who want to see more renewable energy in our state,” said Pat Simons, Friends of the Earth’s renewable energy spokesperson.

“The move will create good jobs and shows industry is confident legislation to enshrine the Victorian Renewable Energy Targets of 25% by 2020 and 40% by 2025 will pass the Parliament.” 

“Local MPs such as Simon Ramsay and Roma Britnell can support more jobs and investment by voting for the Victorian Renewable Energy Target when it goes to a vote in coming months.”

The Daniel Andrews government’s Victorian Renewable Energy Target of 25% by 2020 and 40% by 2025 will see 5,400MW of new generation capacity installed in the grid over the next decade. The scheme will create up to 11,000 jobs and attract $2.5 billion in investment across the state.

Key cross bench MP, James Purcell (Local Jobs 1st), flagged his support for the Victorian Renewable Energy Target legislation at a meeting with Keppel Prince wind workers in February. The Victorian opposition has pledged to scrap the job-creating renewables target if it wins the 2018 election.

“Matthew Guy has backed the wrong horse by pledging to scrap the VRET,” said Pat Simons. “The community strongly supports renewable energy and good jobs.”

Friends of the Earth’s new climate change campaign said the move signals action on climate is good for regional economies.

“Action on climate change creates good jobs in regional Victoria while helping to protect communities from climate impacts,” said Leigh Ewbank, Act on Climate coordinator for Friends of the Earth.

“Climate jobs are coming to Portland no thanks to the Turnbull government, whose failure to act on climate change leaves Victorian communities exposed to increasing heatwaves, droughts, bushfires, and storms.“

“State government leadership on climate change is needed now more than ever.”

Friends of the Earth says the Andrews government can make a downpayment in the upcoming state budget.

“The Andrews government can follow through on its commitment to climate change action with strategic budget allocations in May,” said Mr Ewbank.

“Victorians overwhelmingly support action on climate change and want to see governments put money where their mouth is.”

• Email opposition leader Matthew Guy to encourage him reverse his party’s stance and back the VRET. The transition to renewables ought to be a above party politics.
• Make a donation to Yes 2 Renewables so we can act as a VRET watchdog. We’re proud of our campaign on the VRET. With your support we’ll secure it.