Latrobe City Council welcomes the Victorian Government's commitment to re-establish the State Electricity Commission (SEC) in Morwell.
An election commitment, the re-establishment of the SEC in Latrobe City would generate long-term employment opportunities and support the community through a significant period of change now and into the future.
The commitment aligns with Council's own goals to harness opportunities in renewable energy and attract cutting-edge industry to our region as outlined in Our Transition Plan.
This week, Latrobe City Council Mayor, Kellie O'Callaghan, and senior managers of Council will attend the Victorian Government's SEC Energy Jobs and Skills Forum to further understand the Victorian Energy Jobs Plan, and to advocate for the jobs of the future.
The Government's confirmation of an initial $1 billion investment towards delivering 4.5 gigawatts of power through renewable energy projects, opens the door for the region to continue its long and proud history of powering the state.
As the community that has been significantly affected by rapid changes in the energy sector, we call on the government to fast track the establishment of the SEC and associated renewable energy projects, which will provide new jobs and industry, critical in aiding in our region's transformation.
We call on the government to offer support in positioning Latrobe City as a renewable energy workforce leader and will seek further detail of a range of initiatives announced by the Victorian Government as part of the 2023/24 budget.
Attendance at the SEC Energy Jobs and Skills Forum will provide the Mayor and Council representatives with an opportunity to seek clarity regarding budget commitments specific to:
- The $12 million funding pledge to establish a SEC Centre of Training Excellence to coordinate and accredit courses in clean energy, delivering jobs and funding the business case for the SEC; and
- The establishment of the TAFE Clean Energy Fund which will support the creation of a $5 million Clean Energy Centre at TAFE Gippsland's Morwell Campus Trade Skills Centre.
We remain committed to working collaboratively with the Victorian Government, together we can achieve a sustainable energy future that supports worker transition, the creation of new and emerging jobs, training and development of our highly skilled workforce and future workforce, while ensuring a considered transition for our community
and protection of the environment.
Council's Transition Plan, Our Transition outlines a range of actions including upskilling to meet current and future business and industry needs and improved education outcomes for the community, we will advocate in earnest to ensure the workforce of today and that of the future are afforded opportunities to upskill for the new energy jobs of the future.
We look forward to continuing to play a leading role in keeping Victoria's lights operating while supporting a sustainable future.
Working Collaboratively with the Net Zero Economy Taskforce
Latrobe City has welcomed the Commonwealth Government's establishment of the Net Zero Economy Taskforce to be led by Greg Combet.
During Councils recent successful attendance at the Australian Council of Local Government forum in Canberra, the Mayor spoke to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen where he confirmed that Latrobe City Council would be central to the Taskforce's future work.
As one of Australia's most heavily impacted regions, Latrobe City Council is ready to work with the Taskforce to address the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by this transition.
As we move towards a net-zero economy, it is imperative that the voices of communities, such as ours, are heard and their unique circumstances and concerns are considered when drawing on the lived experience of community.
With Latrobe City Council at the table, we can ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach to decision-making that reflects the diverse range of stakeholders impacted by the energy transition.
Council representation will bring valuable insights, local knowledge, and first-hand experience from the closure of the Hazelwood Power Station and Mine of the challenges faced by communities and industries in the region. We must ensure that the mistakes of the closure of Hazelwood are not repeated.
The Net Zero Economy Taskforce, under the leadership of Greg Combet, has been entrusted with the responsibility of driving Australia's transition to a sustainable and low-emission future. It is crucial that the perspectives and interests of regions heavily impacted by these changes are actively represented within the Taskforce's deliberations.
Working collaboratively Latrobe City Council's role can be one of fostering collaboration, sharing expertise, and collectively developing strategies that ensure a just and equitable transition. This inclusive approach will enable us to further identify opportunities for economic diversification, job creation, and the development of renewable energy projects that benefit both the environment and local communities.
We look forward to working alongside the Taskforce to ensure crucial discussions and decision-making processes are made with consideration of regional Australian communities to ensure a fair and prosperous transition for our region.
We welcome the opportunity to host Mr Combet and Taskforce members in Latrobe and will continue our advocacy to ensure our community's voice is heard by all levels of government.
