A new analysis conducted by Friends of the Earth has found Melbourne’s renewable energy companies have shed jobs due to policy uncertainty.
The survey of 15 Melbourne-based renewable energy companies shows uncertainty surrounding the national Renewable Energy Target has resulted in job losses in Victoria’s capital city.
“The number of renewable energy sector jobs in Melbourne from the companies surveyed fell from 556 in 2013 to 507 in 2014. That’s a nine per cent cut,” explained Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth’s renewable energy spokesperson.
“After a decade of growth, the renewable energy sector is shedding jobs as a result of uncertainty surrounding the national Renewable Energy Target.
“The Abbott government’s attacks on renewable energy is costing jobs in the Victorian capital. More jobs will be lost unless politicians show leadership.”
Friends of the Earth says state government policymakers can restore certainty for the sector by introducing a Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) that works alongside the national scheme.
“With the federal government failing the renewable energy sector, it is now up to Victorian politicians to step up and fill the gap,” said Ewbank.
“A Victorian Renewable Energy Target scheme would help alleviate the impact of Prime Minister Abbott and Denis Napthine’s failure of leadership.”
The Victorian Greens have endorsed the call for a Victorian Renewable Energy Target.
The Daniel Andrews opposition is yet to reveal its position, yet Labor candidates for the super-marginal seat of Ripon, Daniel McGlone; marginal South Barwon, Andy Richards; and Geoff Howard for the new seat of Bunninyong, personally support a Victorian Renewable Energy Target.
The Coalition has not released a renewable energy policy.
