New wind-powered farm to grow regional jobs

Response to Stawell Nectar Farms renewable energy project announcement:

Renewable energy and battery storage projects are supporting businesses in regional Victoria, creating jobs and helping to repower Australia with clean energy, Environment Victoria said today.

Campaigns Manager Nick Aberle said:

“Today’s announcement combining the Bulgana Wind Farm, a 20 megawatt battery storage facility and the expansion of a hydroponic glasshouse is an exciting step on the path to repowering the country. It shows that renewable energy is the power of choice for business in Victoria.

“Thanks to this project, Nectar Farms is going to be 100 percent powered by renewable energy, which is exactly the direction that Australia needs to go.

“Without renewable energy this project would have been impossible. The wind farm and storage will provide low-cost, reliable energy while creating much-needed regional jobs.

“We have the potential to repower the country with sun, wind and batteries. But we need councils, governments and businesses to work together – which is exactly what we’ve seen today.”

The announcement comes as the Climate Institute’s “Climate of the Nation” survey today shows that 96 percent of Australians want renewable energy to be our primary source of energy.

“We’re pleased to see that the Andrews government continues to lead the way by backing the projects that are creating the clean energy of the future.

“Policy paralysis in Canberra has been toxic for renewable energy projects in Australia. Unfortunately, Malcolm Turnbull still won’t make clear whether he will, or can, resolve this uncertainty.

“State-based renewables energy targets will play a key role in supporting the industry and bringing jobs and investment to places like regional Victoria. We’re looking forward to seeing the release of Victoria’s Renewable Energy Action Plan and to seeing the Victorian Renewable Energy Target go through state Parliament.

“Given the clear benefits of renewable energy – jobs, investment, less pollution, cheaper power bills – we expect all sides of politics will support these important measures,” said Environment Victoria Campaigns Manager Nick Aberle.