Premier John Brumby yesterday predicted 10,000 jobs will be created over the next five years through $25 million of funding for eco-friendly projects.
The jobs will come from investment in wind farms, solar electricity and other programs outlined in July’s climate change white paper.
Mr Brumby pledged $10 million for training programs to help familiarise plumbers and electricians with new green technology.
The training package includes $4 million to build stage two of the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre, which is used for training and research of green plumbing and building technologies. The commitment also includes $5 million to establish an energy efficiency and renewable power academy that would give electricians the latest training. The final $1 million will be devoted to a mobile training program so plumbers in regional Victoria will also get access to the environmentally friendly ideas.
Mr Brumby yesterday also promised to bring solar hot water to more than 5000 low-income families, with a $15 million fund to be run by Sustainability Victoria.
The Premier said an increase in the use of the solar hot water units would create jobs and reduce energy bills by up to 75 per cent, saving some households $400 a year.
