The Andrews Labor Government will provide $500,000 to help transition one of Victoria’s strongest renewable energy regions towards a thriving low-carbon economy.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio was in Ballarat today to announce that Grampians New Energy Taskforce (GNeT) will use the funding to develop a roadmap to transition the region to a low-carbon economy by 2050.

GNeT is made up of local government representatives, regional partnership members, industry and community groups, and will investigate new economic and investment opportunities as part of the roadmap.

The Labor Government will also provide $50,000 to Federation University TAFE Australia to develop a business case for an Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Training Centre in Ballarat.

The proposed training centre would produce an industry-recognised skilled workforce to construct, install and maintain renewable energy infrastructure.

The Grampians region has emerged as Victoria’s engine room of renewable energy generation and associated economic growth.

Almost $3 billion-worth of wind farm developments are currently under construction in the Grampians region this month alone.

Victoria continues to lead the way in developing new energy policy to reduce greenhouse gases, tackle climate change and deliver Victorian Renewable Energy Targets of 25 per cent by 2020 and 40 per cent by 2025.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“The Grampians region is already a leader in renewable energy – and this funding will help it transition to a low carbon future.”

“The proposed Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Training Centre has the potential to boost local jobs in the renewable energy sector – that’s why we’re supporting it with this funding.”