VICTORIA CLEAN JOBS PLAN: NEW REPORT
NEW ECONOMIC MODELLING from AlphaBeta has found 20,000 jobs can be created in Victoria, rapidly getting people back into the workforce while also tackling climate change.
"The Clean Jobs Plan identifies a dozen policy options which can create jobs fast, where they are needed and for people who need them most. The job creation could start immediately and continue over three years," said AlphaBeta Director, Andrew Charlton.
"Victoria has seen steep job losses throughout the COVID pandemic. But with the right policy measures, 4,000 jobs could be created for both low and high skilled workers across the state in large-scale renewables, transmission upgrades and battery storage. Such initiatives will help Victoria meet its Renewable Energy Target of 50% by 2030," said Mr Charlton.
"Every dollar of public investment in large scale renewables would unlock $3 of private investment in the economy," he said.
Report Key Findings
In Victoria, up to 4,000 jobs could be created in large-scale renewable energy; up to 2,200 jobs in active and public transport; up to 2,000 jobs in urban and peri-urban gardens; up to 450 jobs in education and training. Some jobs could be created now; all would be created within 3 years.
Across Australia, 42% of the job opportunities identified are located in regional areas. Two big ticket items are large-scale renewable energy and ecosystem restoration.
Economic stimulus can pay long-term dividends and set us up for the future by creating jobs, kick starting the economy and tackling climate change simultaneously.
Investments in clean jobs will have a lasting benefit for the economy, reducing energy costs, producing reliable clean power and developing new industries.
The report also identifies approximately 2,500 jobs in Victoria that would improve the collection of food and garden organic waste to stop it ending up in landfill.
"The opportunities identified in our modelling work are shovel ready and will make a difference throughout Victoria. One third of the jobs would require less than 12 months of retraining, meaning that workers who lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 crisis could be rapidly employed," said Mr Charlton.
"Economic recovery is a national priority, and all governments have a crucial role to play in making targeted investments," said Climate Council CEO, Amanda McKenzie.
"There are a huge number of job opportunities in regional Victoria in renewable power, transmission and storage. The state government can accelerate the development of a number of renewable energy projects in the Gippsland region," said Ms McKenzie.
"The Clean Jobs Plan is unique because of the speed at which it can get people back to work. It puts us on a practical, jobs-rich path and focuses on areas most in need. It sets us up for the future, by creating jobs and tackling climate change. It's a win-win solution," said Ms McKenzie.
The Clean Jobs Plan was commissioned by the Climate Council. AlphaBeta is part of Accenture.
