The Victorian Government’s announcement of new renewable energy targets, emission reductions, power station closures and the establishment of a new State Electricity Commission (SEC), ahead of its state election, has been welcomed by Latrobe City Council.
If re-elected, Victoria’s Labor government has promised to make an initial investment of $1 billion towards delivering 4.5GW of power – the equivalent replacement capacity of Loy Yang A – through renewable energy projects.
The proposed investment of at least $20 million will prepare the SEC for its new role in the new energy market, including the set up of an office in Morwell.
As part of the announcement, Labor also committed to an emissions reduction target for Victoria of 75-80 per cent by 2035 and net zero by 2045.
Latrobe City Council Mayor, Cr Kellie O’Callaghan, said the election commitment was welcome news following the recent announcement of the 2035 closure of Loy Yang A and the anticipated closure of other power stations.
“The re-establishment of the SEC in Morwell will generate long-term employment opportunities for our city and support our community through a significant period of change, and well into the future,” Mayor O’Callaghan said.
“Latrobe City welcomes this significant election commitment, which aligns with our Strength Led Transition and supports our goal to harness opportunities in renewable energy and attract cutting-edge industry to our region.
“Together with the revised emissions targets, it reflects our community’s aspirations to reduce the impacts of climate change and take practical action towards achieving a low emissions future.
“Our community has a long history of powering the state, and we look forward to continuing to play a leading role in keeping Victoria’s lights in a sustainable way,” Mayor O’Callaghan said.
Latrobe City Council has been advocating to both the State and Federal Governments to establish new energy industries in the region to support its transition to a new energy future, creating new jobs and employment pathways.
Mayor O’Callaghan recently met with Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Solar Homes, Lily D’Ambrosio, to discuss opportunities to support the region through its economic transition.
The announcement follows the Victorian Coalition’s pledge to establish a $1 billion Victorian Hydrogen Strategy to support the research, development and adoption of clean hydrogen technologies and legislate an emission reduction target of 50 per cent by 2030.
