Thursday, 26 May 2022

Ministers statements: renewable energy

Ms D’AMBROSIO (Mill Park—Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Minister for Solar Homes) (14:29): I am absolutely delighted to update the house on the progress we are making to deliver Australia’s first offshore wind energy projects. Victoria’s offshore wind energy resource is second to none in this country—the best in Australia and one of the best in the world—which can deliver 13 000 megawatts of new build and more than 6000 ongoing jobs. We will build at least 2000 megawatts by 2032, with first power in 2028, 4000 megawatts by 2035 and 9000 megawatts by 2040. And it is not just about building more cheap renewable energy infrastructure for all Victorians to enjoy. We will be creating thousands of jobs across the state—skilled jobs, well-paid jobs, ongoing jobs that will be filled by our kids who are in school or training today and those transitioning from other jobs. They will also be part of the preparations, the pre-build if you like, which will be about the energy componentry, energy specialist services—all of those jobs that will be needed and available well before 2028.

We are not wasting a single minute in doing the work to make this a reality. We have invested more than $40 million already in the three offshore projects. That will enable them to move to the next stage of their development. These three projects alone will deliver more than $18 billion in new investment in our state. We will be talking with communities about our offshore wind development plan, which we will be releasing later this year. We want to make sure that Victorians understand, are a part of the journey and enjoy the benefits as we go. There are significant benefits here. That is what happens when you show up to the Parliament and you actually vote for renewable energy targets legislation, rather than saying one thing on the radio but doing the exact opposite when you are in this place. This is massive energy infrastructure. It is all part of our ambitious plans for renewable energy transformation and the tens of thousands of jobs that come with it.