PERTH, Monday 9 December 2024 – A coalition of West Australian workers and environmental organisations have released a joint statement calling on the West Australian government to fast-track a suite of changes to bolster the home-grown green energy industry.
The statement, Delivering the Next Generation WA Economy authored by the Conservation Council of WA, MUA, AMWU, ETU, UnionsWA and Greenpeace Australia Pacific, highlights priorities the WA government must take to position Western Australia as a global green energy powerhouse.
Some key asks from the statement include:
- $15 Billion Next Generation Economy Fund — Co-invest with the Federal Government to attract clean industries and support renewable energy transitions across WA
- Renewable Energy Target and Infrastructure Planning — Clear and careful planning and oversight to ensure protection of nature, efficient processes, and ongoing timetable of investment starting with an 82% or 20GW Renewable Energy Target by 2030
- WA Household Battery Scheme — A government subsidy scheme with a particular focus on low income households would lead to a more equitable and sustainable energy system across WA
WA’s vast solar and wind resources position the state to lead the global transition to green industries such as green iron, green ammonia, and renewable energy. The statement outlines how the WA government can champion and create thousands of jobs, reduce carbon emissions, and drive billions of dollars in export income.
Mia Pepper, Campaigns Director at the Conservation Council of WA, said:
“To protect the nature we all love from the impacts of climate change, we know we need to rapidly decarbonise the Western Australian economy. That means we need our government to demonstrate leadership by setting an ambitious target for renewable energy, planning proactively to minimise environmental impacts, and providing clear pathways and supports for the development of the green industries that will secure our future.”
Rikki Hendon, Secretary at UnionsWA, said:
“The time is now to build on what WA has achieved so far and secure our clean energy future. Investing in these industries is a win for workers, our communities and our environment.”
Steve McCartney, Secretary at AMWU WA, said:
“WA has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build industries that reduce global emissions, generate billions of dollars more a year for the State, and give metalworkers secure, well-paid jobs for decades. But we need to be ambitious and act quickly.”
Will Tracey, State Secretary at MUA WA, said:
“Now is the time to start the conversation and lay the groundwork for Renewable Energy, Green Industry, and Western Australia’s role in this transition. With many WA workers in industries that face risks from the global shift towards decarbonisation, action is needed to ensure our current and future workforces can not only adapt but thrive in these emerging sectors. Western Australia has the potential to lead the new industrial landscape, but we must act now to secure our place and avoid falling behind. It is critical that we fight as hard for the jobs of the future as we do the jobs of today.”
Adam Woodage, State Secretary at ETU WA, said:
“As the world accelerates toward a zero-carbon future, Western Australia’s electro-technology workforce stands at the forefront of this transition. Our members possess the skills, innovation, and expertise to power the industries and homes of tomorrow with clean, sustainable energy. From electrifying green hydrogen and manufacturing to installing cutting-edge solar, battery, and EV infrastructure, these highly skilled workers will be integral to WA’s evolution into a global leader in renewable energy and sustainable industry.
“The WA government must seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity by investing ambitiously in our clean energy future. Backing initiatives like the household battery scheme, renewable energy targets, and infrastructure planning isn’t just an environmental imperative—it’s a pathway to creating thousands of secure, well-paid jobs and ensuring WA’s economy thrives in a decarbonized world. Our members are ready to lead the charge; now it’s time for bold action from our leaders.”
Geoff Bice, WA Campaign Lead at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said:
“The WA government has an incredible opportunity to drive down emissions and help protect our wild places from the worst impacts of climate change by investing in a renewable energy future. WA has the opportunity to become a best-practice renewable energy-based economy on the world stage. We can lead the clean energy transition – the government has the tools; it now needs to follow with ambition and action.”
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For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Darcy Gunning (AMWU) on 0408 877 136 or at [email protected]
