MEDIA RELEASE: 11 Sept 2018

Andrews govt’s big renewables announcement lays the foundation for climate leadership as state election approaches

Environment group Friends of the Earth welcome the Andrews government’s announcement today of six new wind and solar farms totalling 928 megawatts to meet the Victorian Renewable Energy Target, and say it lays the foundation to act on climate change.

Friends of the Earth kicked off the grassroots campaign for a Victorian Renewable Energy Target in early 2014 and say today's announcement is a key milestone for the state's renewable energy future as it heads toward 40 percent renewables by 2025.

"Premier Daniel Andrews’ announcement represents the single biggest renewable energy auction in Australia’s history."

"Victoria’s newest wind and solar farms will put downward pressure on power prices and create 1,500 jobs while cutting polluting greenhouse gas emissions," said Pat Simons, Friends of the Earth's renewable energy spokesperson.

"The successful reverse auction shows climate action is good for jobs, power prices, and our economy."

Friends of the Earth say the announcement lays the foundation for another round of renewable energy investment.

MEDIA RELEASE – 29 Aug 2018

Matthew Guy comes to the party on renewable energy jobs, yet commitment to Vic Renewables Target is the real test

Opposition leader Matthew Guy made a renewable energy policy announcement this morning at Keppel Prince in Portland where hundreds are employed manufacturing wind turbine towers.

Opposition leader Matthew Guy’s proposal would require renewable energy projects over $50 million to use 75 percent local content. The opposition would reject planning permits for projects that fail to meet this standard.

Originally published at Renew Economy.

Victoria will go to the polls in less than three months. The outcome of the 2018 state election will have big implications for tackling climate change and rolling out renewable energy.

Given that pundits are saying it will be a “knife edge” election, every vote matters. And the policies Labor and the Coalition take to the election on climate change could decide who forms government.

Will Premier Daniel Andrews and Labor seize the initiative and bring an ambitious package of commitments to its election platform? Will Matthew Guy and the Liberal National Party protect a point of vulnerability with voters by modernising their stance on climate change and energy?

Victoria's Daniel Andrews government has made a dramatic announcement that it will roll out cheap solar power to more than half a million homes if re-elected, committing to a $1.2 billion plan that would offer rebates and no-interest loans so households can install rooftop solar. 

Environment group Friends of the Earth commend Premier Andrews for the announcement, and call on opposition leader Matthew Guy to match the Premier's ambition on renewable energy.

“The Andrews government's ambitious solar plan is exactly the kind of society-wide rollout of renewable energy Victoria needs to act on climate change” said Pat Simons, Friends of the Earth's Yes 2 Renewables coordinator.

Friends of the Earth has welcomed the Andrews government's twin announcements of the Grampians New Energy Taskforce and funding for the Asia-Pacific Renewable Energy Centre at Federation Uni in Ballarat, yet the group has called for a planned approach for investment in climate change solutions from the state government.

"By making investments like these the Andrews government is acknowledging the importance of acting on climate change," said Act on Climate Vic coordinator Leigh Ewbank.

"To make sure Victorians are getting the most bang for buck the Andrews government can take the next step and establish a Victorian Climate Change Action Fund to address this critical issue."

National environment Group Friends of the Earth welcomes the Andrews government's twin announcements of the Grampians New Energy Taskforce and funding for the Asia-Pacific Renewable Energy Centre at Federation Uni in Ballarat, saying they can take the next step by establishing a Victorian Climate Change Action Fund.

“By making investments like these the Andrews government is acknowledging the importance of acting on climate change” said Act on Climate Vic coordinator Leigh Ewbank.

“To make sure Victorians are getting the most bang for buck the Andrews government can take the next step and establish a Victorian Climate Change Action Fund to address this critical issue.”

Friends of the Earth say the local region can be proud of the project that will power 25,000 homes and help Victoria tackle climate change. 

"Victorian climate change solutions such as the Wonwonda wind farm bring jobs and investment to regional communities," said Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth climate spokesperson. 

"The facility will contribute towards Victoria meeting its legislated target of zero net emissions by 2050--something the whole community can be proud of." 

Friends! Tax time is upon us and now is the time to dig deep and help us as we gear up for the November State Election. We have 5 key asks this election:

• Victoria's first climate focused budget, delivering investment in climate change solutions and protects communities from climate impacts.
  
  
• Powering Melbourne’s train network with solar and wind power to ensure
  Victoria’s transport system is clean, modern and non-polluting while creating
  sustainable jobs in regional Victoria and metropolitan areas.
   
• The creation of the Great Forest National Park (GFNP) and East Gippsland Emerald Link Reserve, delivering a transition plan for workers in the forestry industry.
  
  
• Commitment to a community focused transport plan for the future of Melbourne and shift funding from roads to critical public transport infrastructure, such as Melbourne Metro 2.
  
  
• The creation of a publicly-owned retailer, backed by 100% renewable energy, to ensure Victorians have access to clean, fair and affordable electricity.

Can you help us make this a reality? Please make a tax deductible donation here - together we can do this!

After months of rhetoric about renewables, coal and gas, the Victorian Liberals have failed to deliver a coherent energy policy at their state conference, which was held over the weekend.