WWF WELCOMES INVESTMENT IN CLEAN ENERGY JOBS FOR THE HUNTER

The World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia has welcomed the announcement of a $550 million “future industries” package by the NSW Government, focused on creating 3700 jobs in low emissions industries and renewables concentrated in the Hunter Valley.

"Today’s announcement shows that energy and manufacturing jobs in the regions can thrive when governments step up and show real leadership. It is a big step towards the Hunter and Central Coast becoming a centre of renewable-powered manufacturing,” said Nicky Ison, WWF-Australia’s Energy Transition Manager.

“As technologies change, these communities can continue to drive Australia’s energy and manufacturing industries, making commodities like renewable aluminium and batteries that Australia and the world needs."

“It is great to see the NSW Government working with the private sector to accelerate the transition to clean, reliable, renewable energy."

“As the world acts on climate change and the cost of renewable technologies and storage continue to plummet and become the cheapest form of new build power, Australia will move away from fossil fuels to renewables."

“This presents a huge opportunity for Australia to become a renewable energy superpower.”

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean announced the jobs package today, including $250 million to boost locally manufactured renewable energy content and supply chains, accelerating critical transmission infrastructure, and $300 million to build a renewable powered manufacturing base including renewable hydrogen. The announcement came just days after Origin Energy revealed it would bring forward the closure of its Eraring power station to 2025.

“Energy and manufacturing workers in the Hunter Valley have been the backbone of the NSW economy for decades. We need governments to take responsibility to ensure these workers and communities prosper as technologies change,” said Ms Ison.

“That’s why WWF-Australia joined with the ACTU, BCA and ACF to call for a Just Transitions Authority as part of our Sunshot clean exports report."

“It’s also why it’s essential that industrial centres like the Central Coast and Hunter Valley, with their history, skills, knowhow, and infrastructure in manufacturing, are supported to become Renewable Energy Industrial Precincts.”