MEDIA RELEASE: 15.06.25 Communities and workers unite to call for thousands of good jobs on Global Wind Day, Sunday June 15
Friends of the Earth Australia / Yes2Renewables Campaign
After a strong election result that provided a clear mandate for the Albanese government to accelerate renewable energy in Australia, communities are coming together on Global Wind Day 15th June to celebrate the huge benefits and opportunities in wind power.
#GlobalWindDay celebrations will highlight the opportunity and need to create thousands of good jobs in wind energy – with a special focus on the opportunity on offshore wind.
According to a joint Union-CSIRO report, offshore wind could support up to 8,000 jobs a year in Australia, providing a transition for workers currently employed in the offshore oil and gas industries, as well as onshore workers in fossil fuel industries. And the Global Wind Energy Council has found jobs in onshore wind will need to double this decade to reach Australia’s renewable energy targets.
Regional communities where major offshore wind projects are being proposed are ready for the shift to renewable energy and are keen to see meaningful action on transitioning workers and advancements in planning processes to ensure regions hosting wind power thrive into the future.
"Wind energy creates opportunities for our community, generating stable, rewarding jobs and strengthening our future while ensuring long-term energy security—it just makes sense” said Wendy Farmer, Yes2Renewables Gippsland Organiser and President of Voices of the Valley.
“Victoria is leading the way on offshore wind but one state can’t do this alone. Now that Albanese has been re-elected and the threat of nuclear off the table, our community would benefit from federal support for offshore wind” said Farmer.
In Gippsland, community members and workers came together for a community photo at the Toora wind farm, highlighting the region’s opportunity in onshore and offshore wind. There are several renewable energy proposals for the region representing over $40 billion in regional investment.
Adrian Cosgriff, former oil and gas worker says “Offshore wind is shaping up to be the cornerstone of Gippsland’s shift from coal to clean energy. It's a bold shift, but one that could redefine the Latrobe Valley’s identity from a coal power house to a renewable energy hub".
In the Illawarra, local community group Good for the Gong will be holding a community meet up and celebration of wind energy at the Port Kembla Servo.
“This day gives us a great opportunity to think about the power of the wind and what it can do. The wind is a free and renewable resource that can power thousands of homes and businesses. It's a career path for young people, and an industry that can benefit all communities.” said Daryl Best, former Illawarra coal worker.
And on Friday 13th June, the Hunter Jobs Alliance launched a cross-sector push for offshore wind in the Hunter alongside 25 organisations and unions, calling on the federal government to kickstart the industry.
Members of unions and climate groups will also be sharing images and videos of individuals, families, and workers from around the country who want to see faster and more meaningful action on wind projects and jobs in the industry.
The weekend of action comes just over a week after Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio called on the federal Albanese government to support Victoria’s efforts to kickstart offshore wind.
Together, these coastal communities and workers are asking the Albanese Government to back the future of Australia’s regions with assurance of offshore wind jobs, and more action in supporting skills and training of current fossil fuel workers.
Key Facts:
Images from local actions in Gippsland and the Illawarra will be uploaded on Sunday June 15 to the following google folder:
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1EXKeHQy_d9kENokKRd9Hb2KlDdbvIB3p
Contact details:
Pat Simons, Yes2Renewables Coordinator, Friends of the Earth
P: 0415 789 961
Spokespeople:
Wendy Farmer, Yes2Renewables Organiser and President of Voices of the Valley
Adrian Cosgriff, former oil and gas worker
Daryl Best, former coal worker