Environment Victoria has revealed its wishlist for the Latrobe Valley leading into this year’s state election, to create a clean energy based economic transition for the region.
Plans include large-scale renewable energy projects, an increased mandate for the Latrobe Valley Authority and more help for low income households to become energy efficient and cut power bills.
EV chief executive Mark Wakeham was in the Valley yesterday to sit in a round table discussion with trade unions, Latrobe City Council, the LVA and community representatives.
Mr Wakeham also fronted a forum at the Astoria Club in Morwell on Wednesday night, outlining EV’s goals for the Valley.
“We are six months out from an election that will have important consequences for Victoria’s energy and environmental future,” Mr Wakeham said.
“We want to ensure the Latrobe Valley participates in the best possible transition to clean energy.”
He wants the Victorian government to quarantine at least 10 percent of the state’s renewable energy targets – or 500 megawatts – for Latrobe Valley projects that could create about 950 jobs.
“Per megawatt, they will produce more jobs than coal. Places like Mildura have advantages as far as solar resources, but the Latrobe Valley has the transmission infrastructure in place,” he said.
He said he wants the LVA continued until 2030 and turned into a statutory authority with greater independence to manage the region’s transition into the next decade. EV wants to scale-up a government program to make low income homes across Gippsland more energy efficient, and for this to be increased from 1000 to 14,000 homes.
“A thousand homes is a good start. But, we’ve identified 60,000 low-income homes across Gippsland that could move from two-stars to five-stars and this would save a lot of money that could be spent in the Latrobe Valley,” he said.
Mr Wakeham said there were positive outcomes from these local discussions.
“There was strong consensus for expanding the life and mandate of the LVA and making sure the Valley benefits from renewable energy targets, as well as energy efficiency for Gippsland houses and businesses,” he said.
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said she was on board with the broad principles behind EV’s wishlists.
“The LVA is a part of our long-term vision for making sure the Latrobe Valley reaches its full potential and maximises all the opportunities we have with our skills, resources and communities.”
