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Historic commitment to clean energy jobs

Victorian workers have welcomed the announcement of ambitious offshore wind energy targets by Premier Daniel Andrews today, effectively giving the green light for development of a number of offshore wind projects like the much-anticipated Star of the South project off the Gippsland coast.

Today’s announcement creates the pathway for thousands of jobs in the energy sector and creates a new offshore wind industry that will see Victorians secure cleaner, cheaper power and position us as leaders in the development of large-scale renewable energy once again.

This announcement will mean that Victoria will become the Australian leader in offshore wind, driving innovation and open the possibility of establishing a green hydrogen export industry.

A landmark 2019 report from unions in the offshore wind sector, Putting the ‘Justice’ in ‘Just Transition: Tackling Inequality in the New Renewable Economy, expressed support for the Star of the South offshore wind proposal which would deliver new jobs and a new industry for Victoria, helping to reinvigorate the Gippsland economy and secure well-paid jobs for hard-hit communities in the Latrobe Valley.

The Star of the South project will create a pipeline of energy, construction and manufacturing jobs, while powering as many as 1.2 million Victorian homes with clean, reliable, renewable power.

Victorian unions have been in long term constructive discussions about the development of the offshore wind industry and today’s announcement will be a gamechanger for Victorians.

 

Quotes attributable to Luke Hilakari, Secretary Victorian Trades Hall Council:

This is an announcement that all Victorians can be proud of. This will create thousands of new jobs and give birth to a huge new industry in Victoria.

Victoria will become the national home of offshore wind which could lead to the development of a green hydrogen export industry. This is both good news for Victorian jobs and the air we breathe.

After years of inaction and outright hostility to renewable energy from the Federal Government, we have to fight harder than ever for renewables. It has again taken leadership from the Andrews Government to create the jobs of the future.

In the face of inevitable transition, it is the job of unions to make sure that every worker in the energy industry is looked after. Generations of energy workers have helped build Victoria and it is important that they have a genuine ongoing seat at the table. This is the only way we can ensure that workers and their families have well-paid and secure jobs into the future.

More information: Edwina Byrne, 0409 017 140 or [email protected]

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