Friends of the Earth has launched a new report on the job-creation potential of Victorian climate policies at Australia's largest wind turbine tower maker, Keppel Prince in Portland. The new report contains University of Melbourne modelling that shows the Victorian government could help create over 50,000 jobs by setting science-based Emissions Reduction Targets.
The report, which outlines a strategy to achieve an emissions cut of 75 percent over the next decade, comes as the Andrews government makes its final decision on state Emissions Reduction Targets for 2025 and '30.
"Premier Dan Andrews will soon make a decision on Victoria's Emissions Reduction Targets. This decision is not just about climate. It's about jobs," said Leigh Ewbank of Friends of the Earth.
Keppel Prince Executive Director, Steve Garner, noted Friends of the Earth's long-standing support for Portland's wind workers at a press conference this morning:
"The relationship between Friends of the Earth and Keppel Prince has always been about climate and jobs," said Garner, "and we look forward to that relationship strengthening even further into the future."
Last summer's horror bushfires and smoke haze show that climate impacts are occurring faster than scientists predicted.
With continued policy paralysis at the Federal level, communities are looking to Premier Dan Andrews to show greater leadership.
"The Andrews government protected the lives and livelihoods of Victorians by acting on the best-available science in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We need the government to take the same approach to the climate crisis," said Leigh Ewbank of Friends of the Earth.
"Setting science-based Emissions Reduction Targets will create thousands of jobs for Victorians, especially when complimented by strong local content policies."
"The achievement of ambitious climate targets can be the mission that drives Victoria’s economic recovery over the next decade."
Friends of the Earth used the press conference this morning to reiterate its support for local content requirements and procurement.
"When we campaigned for the state and national renewable energy policies, we were campaigning for local manufacturing jobs like those at Keppel Prince," said Leigh Ewbank.
"Smart developers will look for ways to purchase locally-made components to ensure that renewable energy projects create jobs in regional towns such as Portland."
Friends of the Earth have coordinated a community campaign for science-based climate targets since 2017. The group believes the Andrews government will soon make an announcement and will be ready to respond.
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