MEDIA RELEASE - 27 JUNE: 

Friends of the Earth welcome the announcement of state government support for a $565 million expansion of the Nectar Farms hydroponic business near Stawell. The project will see the construction of the Bulgana wind farm and create 1,300 jobs. 

Friends of the Earth's say the announcement shows that state government support for climate change solutions creates jobs and brings investment to regional communities such as Stawell. 

"The Andrews government's support for the wind-powered hydroponics project will create 1,300 new jobs in the Stawell region and shows investment in climate change solutions bring jobs and investment to regional communities."

Latrobe Valley, home to Victoria’s four coal-based power stations, is currently undergoing an economic transition.

In the Valley the coal industry has a turbulent history, with the industry’s privatisation in the 80’s and 90’s gutting the local economy, and the Hazelwood mine fire in 2014 causing deaths in the community from the toxic smoke. However the mines and power stations also provide crucial employment and income for the area.

The Andrews government opened the first tranch of its New Energy Jobs Fund in Blackburn today. 

The launch comes in the lead up to the release of its Renewable Energy Action Plan that will set Victorian Renewable Energy Targets for 2020 and 2025.

MEDIA RELEASE: 7 July, 2015

National environment group Friends of the Earth say news the owner of Hazelwood is refusing to pay the $18 million cost of fighting last year's fire that occurred in their brown coal mine reinforces the need to regulate the sector.

"GDF Suez's refusal to pay an $18 million fire-fighting bill strengthens the case for regulating the coal sector to protect the public purse, community health, and our climate," said Cam Walker, Friends of the Earth campaigns coordinator.

Friends of the Earth was proud to help organise yesterday's Unions and Communities TPP Roundtable, hosted by the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) at the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) National Congress 2015.

The Roundtable included doctors, nurses, farmers, unionists, academics, lawyers, environmental groups, community groups and faith groups who have been campaigning around the TPP since 2010.

The renewable energy sector has created hundreds of jobs and generated millions of dollars worth of investment in south west Victoria, yet uncertainty clouds the sector’s future. Jobs and peoples' livelihoods hang in the balance. 

What plans do the major political parties have to secure renewable energy jobs and investment in Victoria? Now that’s a good question, especially with a state election fast approaching.

Portland, August 24.

Yallourn Power Station workers have been in a dispute with the owners of the Yallourn station, and will be in Melbourne for a rally on friday August 16.

In an historic first, climate and environment activists will march in solidarity with the power workers.