Gippsland › Latest news › Melina Bath MP
Port of Hastings chosen as renewable energy terminal over closer Gippsland ports by Andrews Labor government
The Nationals advocate for long-term sustainable careers and stakeholder relationships in Gippsland's investment in new energy jobs. Danny O'Brien emphasises the need for a dedicated government strategy for local benefits.
Melina Bath MP, The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region said that the investment in new energy jobs presents an opportunity for Gippsland, however we must be active participants in such projects. The Nationals will continue to advocate for sustainable long term careers for locals, including the use of local expertise in manufacturing, engineering, construction and maintenance.
Being close to the waters where wind farms will be built does not guarantee Gippsland's opportunities, according to Danny O'Brien Mp
"It's fair to say our community expects more than short term, localised benefits - given the scope of the project, establishing stakeholder relationships that benefit locals in the long term will be central to its acceptance," Ms Bath said.
Local job creation needed
Danny O'Brien, Member for Gippsland South said, "There are enormous opportunities for Gippsland from offshore wind, but they are not guaranteed just because we are located close to the waters wind farms will be built in. The government has now confirmed it will establish a Victorian renewable energy terminal at the Port of Hastings, effectively turning its back on Gippsland ports, such as Barry Beach, which are closer to most of the proposed offshore wind farms."
"While I'm sure there will be localised benefits from the ongoing operation and maintenance of the facilities, we need construction and supply chain jobs to be created locally for both our engineering and energy sector in Gippsland. The Port of Hastings gives us no competitive advantage. We need a dedicated strategy from the government to ensure Gippsland actually sees the benefits from these developments, not just the costs like transmission lines," Mr O'Brien said.
Pictures from BlueFloat Energy website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
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