On Tuesday 8 March, Net Zero Economy Authority leadership and members of our Latrobe Valley placed-based team visited the region to meet with stakeholders, tour the Yallourn Power Station and participate in a Gippsland offshore wind roundtable.
The visit was an opportunity for the team to hear directly from those in the region and the challenges and opportunities they’re facing in transitioning to a net zero economy.
An offshore wind roundtable
The roundtable, hosted by the Committee for Gippsland and Senator Jess Walsh, brought together Victorian Government representatives, local leaders, councils, unions, industry representatives, and education institutions for a discussion on offshore wind and how the Authority can best support the region’s transition.
Our CEO, David Shankey, attended virtually and acknowledged the challenges ahead.
'The Yallourn coal-fired power station will close in 2028, followed by Loy Yang A in 2035. I know that there is much work to do to ensure the community is supported through this transition.'
'We are committed to supporting the Latrobe Valley through both the challenges and opportunities,' said Mr Shankey.
The roundtable reinforced the importance of diversifying the region’s industries, removing roadblocks to new industry development and ensuring workers, young people, families and business owners have a clear vision for the region.
Visiting the Yallourn Power Station
During the visit to Yallourn Power Station, our team met with Energy Australia and workers to discuss concerns around the closure. A key issue raised was the ‘need for public investment in new industry opportunities to keep jobs in the region'.
Throughout the discussion workers expressed their desire to have jobs to transition into and certainty that the region had long term economic opportunities. Stronger support for regional economic development will help both current workers retrain and encourage younger generations to stay.
A priority for the Authority
The Latrobe Valley is a priority region for the Authority, and we are committed to supporting the region as it transitions. People in the Latrobe Valley are proud of the region and want to secure a prosperous future for their community – and the Authority is committed to supporting them to achieve this future.
You can find out more about our plans for Latrobe and other regions at Regional Workforce Transition Plans.