The Australian Government’s decision to establish a Net Zero Authority (NZA) has been welcomed throughout the Hunter, with some groups labelling it a “game-changer for workers”.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen made the announcement at Lake Liddell, near Muswellbrook, on Friday, surrounded by industry representatives as well as local federal and state MPs, stating its operations would start on 1 July.
It’s believed a budget of $23 million will assist the NZA in its first year.
“Australia’s regions will power us and export energy for generations to come,” Mr Bowen said.
“But, our transition to renewables needs careful management to ensure we win the global race.
“The national Net Zero Authority will help our regions achieve that.
“Its role is to find the barriers to job creation… and knock them over.
“It will assist workers to determine the skills they need to acquire new occupations being created, while helping them obtain those skills.
“It’ll also work with industry, energy companies, communities, unions, local government and states and territories to make sure that decarbonising investment is going into our regions and good, secure roles are generated, too.”
Mining and Energy Union (MEU) general president Tony Maher said the NZA would have workers’ backs at a time of rapid change in the energy sector.
“Employees in coal-fired power stations and associated coal mines are living with the reality that the timeline for closure is accelerating,” he explained.
“Until now, coordinated federal support for workers and communities has been the missing piece when it comes to climate and energy policy.
“Today’s announcement means the future of employees in emissions-intensive facilities facing closure won’t be simply left up to patchy employer programs and struggling local jobs markets.
“The Net Zero Authority will have powers to help them into new jobs and to facilitate investment in affected communities to create the good jobs of the future.”
Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie also praised the government’s move.
“Australia’s global allies and trading partners are forging ahead with the transition to net zero and it makes perfect sense for Australia to get in the game,” she said.
“Taking strong action now is the best way to ensure Australia captures growing markets for clean energy and low emissions products, to power the next era of our national prosperity.
“There is no doubt Australia’s path to net zero requires transformative change.
“That’s why the Climate Council has been advocating for a national authority to oversee Australia’s rapid clean energy transformation.
“Last week the Liddell Power Station went offline.
“The Victorian and Queensland governments have announced their plans to fully exit coal power generation.
“So, it won’t be long before all coal is retired for good.
“Communities in regions where fossil fuels are being phased out and those in Renewable Energy Zones need a voice, clear plans and strong investment to guide the transformation of their local economies and industries.
“The Net Zero Authority can provide important leadership and coordination for this shift.”
Beyond Zero Emissions senior project manager Sam Mella admitted it was “a great opportunity” to shine a light on the potential of a renewable industrial precinct for the Hunter.
“We’ve got some incredible businesses working on innovation and manufacturing, making products for the net zero world,” he said.
“I’m really happy the government will be focussing on what we need to do to get to net zero, because the Hunter has got that talent in spades.”
Hunter Renewal spokesperson Peter Coughlan echoed those sentiments.
“We look forward to the national authority working closely with the Hunter Valley Authority that the state government has already promised to establish,” he said.
“There are many businesses in the Hunter that are already active in the renewable energy space and we should be taking all the opportunities available for the national and regional authorities to work together.”
Business Hunter policy and public affairs manager Sheena Martin said there was a lot at stake in the region.
“Our communities are at risk if we can’t keep people employed, and a national authority will coordinate programs and policies to build a bridge for workers, contractors and businesses working in emissions intensive industries,” she added.
“It has an important dual role to play in harnessing opportunities, so that regions like ours can continue to play a vital role in powering the nation, and in mitigating against the worst effects of such enormous structural change.
“We’ve seen the ability of regional transition authorities to accelerate and support change in other energy-intensive regions, such as LaTrobe in Victoria and Collie in WA.
“A national framework is an opportunity to convert these hard-won lessons for the benefit of communities right across the country.”
Ms Martin said the Net Zero Authority could be described as a vital backbone, providing connection, strength, stability and coordination for a rapidly evolving and intricate landscape.
“An orderly transition is what the business community is seeking,” she declared.
“And, at this stage, we have our work cut out to deliver the next components of it in a timely manner.
“As our traditional energy assets are retired, renewables must arrive to take their place, or we risk further price increases and supply uncertainty.
“That’s one part of the jigsaw.
“The task at hand is enormous and the clock is ticking, so we need all hands to the wheel.
“Facilitated collaboration between business, industry, the community and all levels of government will be key to realising our ambitions.”
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