24 October 2023 –
The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) welcomes the federal government’s announcement of consultation opening on an offshore wind zone in Bass Strait which includes commitments to local content.
With the right settings in place, the development of offshore wind capacity represents a major opportunity to create good, secure jobs in the manufacture of turbines, towers and other components, particularly in regional areas.
Australia’s transition to renewable energy must be able to not only deliver cheap, clean energy but also direct local jobs.
The AMWU looks forward to working with government and industry to ensure workers in Tasmania’s local communities see the benefits of a possible offshore wind industry.
AMWU National Secretary Steve Murphy said:
“It’s great to see a Labor federal government commit to prioritising local content, as well as direct jobs and training, in this announcement.
“Australia has the capacity to become a green manufacturing powerhouse. Actively requiring that turbines and wind towers are made here means that local workers and their communities see the benefits of good, secure and highly skilled manufacturing jobs.
“When we import the things we can and should be making here, like wind towers, it’s our local communities who lose out. Just ask the workers in Portland, Victoria, who lost their jobs when Australia’s largest wind farm imported more than 200 wind towers from overseas instead of using a local manufacturer.
“We welcome the opportunity for consultation around the tender process. We will be working to ensure that this project makes the most of the opportunities a growing offshore wind industry presents for local workers.
“Our energy transition can deliver both climate action and job creation.”
Media contact: Cinzia Myatt 0437 139 801