Media Statement - 22nd August 2007
The Howard Government's stubborn refusal to increase the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target is responsible for the loss of 130 jobs, following the closure of the Vestas wind blades factory in Portland, Victoria.
The closure of the Portland factory is a major blow to the local community and another kick in the guts for our renewable energy industry.
In October 2004, the Member for Wannon, David Hawker, promised to "create a centre of renewable energy in the region", but instead renewable energy is shutting up shop.
While the global renewable energy market is set to be worth US$750 billion a year by 2016 and the industry has an excellent track record in creating jobs in regional Australia, the Government's failure to deliver a price for carbon and its continuing refusal to ratify the Kyoto protocol means Australian jobs and investment are heading overseas.
Renewable energy companies are voting with their feet:
- In August 2006, Vestas Nacelle announced it would close its wind turbine assembly plant in northern Tasmania, costing 100 jobs;
- In February 2007, Pacific Hydro announced it was investing $500 million in Brazil because Australia renewable energy projects had been stalled by the Government's refusal to ratify the Kyoto protocol;
- In March 2007, the Australian company Global Renewables announced a $5 billion deal in the UK to cut greenhouse pollution. They had to go to Britain to realise their ambitions; and
- Yesterday, Vestas announced that its Portland factory would close in December 2007, because "further investment cannot be viable in current market conditions".
A Rudd Labor Government will revitalise the renewable energy industry and drive a clean energy revolution. Labor will ratify the Kyoto protocol, significantly increase the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target and cut Australia's greenhouse pollution by 60 per cent by 2050.