The Keneally Government and the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) are taking matters into their own hands after news of the possible carbon tax, by working together to transform the emission-intensive Hunter Valley, New South Wales region into a clean technology hub.
The AMWU reportedly welcomed the Keneally Government’s commitment to fund the Hunter Cleantech Innovation Taskforce, which will help businesses lower their emissions in time for a possible carbon tax.
Minister for the Hunter and Member for Newcastle Jodi McKay, said there would also be funding for a ‘high level industry cluster manager to work with industry to implement a range of measures to boost clean technology manufacturing.’
A Hunter Cleantech Innovation Taskforce will be established and will coordinate local industry knowhow, academic research, private sector investment and support from government agencies to help the region’s high-emissions industries reduce their carbon footprint and to kickstart innovative cleantech manufacturing projects, AMWU says.
“The Hunter has a lot to offer as Australia makes the inevitable transition to a carbon-restricted economy: a strong and diverse industrial capability, a highly skilled workforce and a strong track record in world-class manufacturing,” said AMWU NSW Secretary Tim Ayres.
“The Hunter is also the energy capital of Australia, with huge coal, solar, wind and geo-thermal reserves. It is the ideal place to develop a workable model for transitioning to a low carbon economy in a way that protects and creates secure, skilled jobs; attracts investment and delivers tangible benefits to the environment.”
Image courtesy of Zimbio.com
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