Victorian opposition’s new proposal threatens 26,000 jobs and the future of clean energy
Ahead of the election in Victoria later this year the opposition is shaping up to a hostile environmental agenda in line with other conservative political parties around the nation – and globally, to be clear. The latest missive from an election almost certain to be lost by the Labor Party, the opposition has reactivated an idea first flagged in 2011 to create a massive two kilometre setback for renewable energy infrastructure.
The Clean Energy Council says this would apply to all wind, solar, and battery projects, would occur at the “worst possible time” as Victoria searches for energy sources to replace coal usage.
Growing Australian support for government investment in renewables
Australians strongly support government-owned energy and public investment in renewables, according to recent polling commissioned by Renew Australia for All, a major national advocacy campaign for a transition to renewable energy. The poll, conducted by data agency 89 Degrees East found that along with climate change and rising cost concerns, most of the thousands of Australians polled voiced support for Australia building its industry around renewable energy sources.
In response, Electrical Trades Union National Secretary Michael Wright said that the government should act on the data to build, own and operate renewable energy generation to focus on sovereign power.
Indigenous group to lead wetland restoration backed by CEFC
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation has committed a $15 million impact loan through Bank Australia to back the Nari Nari Tribal Council in acquiring and managing the Great Cumbung, a 34,000 hectare wetland in south-west New South Wales.
The project’s goal is to rehabilitate freshwater wetlands by acquiring Juanbung and Boyong pastoral stations and delivering measurable carbon sequestration and long-term biodiversity benefits.
The CEFC said the site represents “a major expansion of indigenous-led stewardship of Country.”
