NEW ECONOMIC MODELLING from AlphaBeta has found two thousand jobs can be created in Tasmania, rapidly getting people back into the workforce while also tackling climate change.
"The Clean Jobs Plan identifies a dozen policy options that can create jobs fast, where they are needed and for people who need them most. The job creation can start immediately and continue over three years," said AlphaBeta Director, Andrew Charlton.
"The plan identifies more than 500 jobs that could be created in large scale renewable energy, transmission and battery storage," 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 Tasmania, up to 500 jobs could be created in large-scale renewable energy; up to 400 in ecosystem restoration and revegetation; up to 150 in organic waste management; up to 150 jobs in making homes more energy efficient. 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.
"Tasmania has been a national leader in renewable energy generation and recently set a new target to reach 200 per cent renewables by 2040. The Clean Jobs Plan can help the government reach its target," said Climate Council CEO, Amanda McKenzie.
The plan identifies hundreds of jobs that could be created in ecosystem restoration.
"Tasmania's coastline and forest ecosystems are a major part of its heritage and economy. This makes ecosystem restoration an important opportunity for the state," said Ms McKenzie.
"The work includes landscape restoration, protective fencing and other projects that absorb carbon and prevent land degradation. The majority of these jobs would require minimal training so would be available to a wide range of job seekers," she said.
The report also identifies 150 jobs in Tasmania that would improve the collection of food and garden organic waste to stop it ending up in landfill.
"The City of Hobart already has a program known as FOGO to reduce food waste, but such a program could be expanded and accelerated with further investment," 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.
