As Australia’s ageing fleet of coal-burning power stations move closer to closure, an overwhelming majority of people polled in the Latrobe Valley in Victoria and Hunter region of NSW say that state and federal governments need to urgently step up to support both coal communities and industries to transition to clean energy.
The YouGov poll, conducted for Environment Victoria and Nature Conservation Council of NSW, surveyed 600 people across the Latrobe Valley in Victoria and Hunter Valley in New South Wales.
It found a strong appetite for governments to take a more active role in supporting both communities and industry to transition to renewable energy, including ensuring that companies take responsibility for the toxic legacy of their coal power stations and mines.
The poll found that, across Hunter and Latrobe Valley:
- More than three quarters (76%) agreed that governments should do more to transition from burning coal to renewable sources of power to meet our future energy needs.
In Victoria’s Latrobe Valley:
- Nine out ten (90%) respondents agreed that as Victoria’s coal burning power stations and coal mines are closed down, the state government should ensure power station owners are responsible for the complete clean-up of sites so that they are safe and can be used for other purposes.
- Eight out of ten (80%) respondents agreed that governments should support heavy industry to switch to affordable, renewable energy to support local manufacturing sectors.
- Seven out of ten (70%) agreed that the state government should plan to retire old coal burning power stations over the next decade – with support for workers to retrain to be part of a solid economic future for the Latrobe Valley.
- A majority (57%) of respondents supported an early closure of Loy Yang if there is a solid plan to look after workers.
In NSW’s Hunter Valley:
- Eight out of ten of respondents (80%) agreed that the state government needs a plan to retire coal burning power stations in NSW over the next decade with support for workers to retrain to ensure a solid economic future for the local region.
- Just over three quarters (77%) of respondents agree that the NSW government should do more to transition from coal to renewables
- A majority (68%) of respondents agreed that so long as there is a plan to look after power station workers and the community, switching to renewable power over the next decade is the best option for NSW.
- Over nine in ten (91%) of respondents agreed that retired coal power stations need to be rehabilitated.
- 84% of respondents agree that the NSW government should support heavy industry to switch to renewable energy.
- A majority (68%) believe that when coal power stations are retired, renewables and batteries should replace them.
Jono La Nauze, Environment Victoria CEO, said the polling shows the Latrobe Valley community is urgently calling for a plan that will enable Victoria to move towards renewable energy while supporting the workers and communities that have powered the state for decades.
“It’s time for our governments to step up and show they are serious about developing the new industries and technologies that will create new jobs in these communities and enable all Victorians to reap the benefits of a transition to clean, renewable energy.”
“With the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) forecasting that all Victorian coal power stations could close by 2032, the need for a community-led transition plan is more urgent than ever.”
“Currently the Latrobe Valley Authority is only funded until mid 2022. We’re calling on the Victorian government to extend this funding until the last power station closes, and to work with locals to build a community-led transition plan for the region.”
Jacqui Mumford, Nature Conservation Council acting Chief Executive, said power station owners need to come clean with realistic closure dates by 2030, so the community can plan ahead.
“We need all governments to take a much more active role in planning a transition for workers and the community.”
Tony Wolfe, senior operator at Loy Yang Power Station and Latrobe Valley community advocate, said the Latrobe Valley community deserves to have the land returned in pristine condition.
“The State government needs to ensure sufficient training and support for displaced workers so they can convert to the new clean energy industries.
“This presents a perfect opportunity to engage our local indigenous communities to guide us on the future stewardship of this land,” he said.
