The announcement that Toyota will begin building engines for the Hybrid Camry at its plant in Altona is good news for Australian jobs and the environment.

Toyota and the federal government this week announced that a $63 million investment from the federal government’s Green Car Fund will assist with an upgrade of the plant to produce the engines for the Hybrid Camry from 2012.

“This announcement shows that Australia’s auto-industry, like many manufacturing industries, has a tremendous opportunity to grow if we focus on the positive opportunities that the challenge of climate change brings,” said AMWU National Secretary, Dave Oliver.

“The investment of the federal government through the Green Car Fund, is visionary and crucial if Australia is to gain the benefits of high-technology and sustainable jobs.

“Three hundred and twenty jobs at the Toyota Altona plant have a brighter future because government investment is helping our industries move with the times and indeed, be world leaders.

Mr Oliver said that Australia would benefit from more programs that jointly addressed jobs and the environment.

“These are the opportunities that Australia must continue to invest in. Government leadership through industry policy is crucial to achieving these outcomes.

“This decision, and the announcement by Holden earlier this week, shows that both auto companies and the government have confidence in Australia’s auto industry.

Click here to read the AMWU research outlining the importance of creating jobs to tackle climate change.