Clean energy round table

A clean energy future was the focus of discussions when Committee for Gippsland recently hosted Senator Jess Walsh in Warragul to engage with industry members.
Committee for Gippsland chief executive officer Tony Cantwell said it was an important opportunity to hear from Senator Walsh on the recent federal budget and key measures including the National Reconstruction Fund, Future Made in Australia and the Net Zero Economy Agency.
"As Gippsland undergoes transition it is important that as a region we identify opportunities to attract and retain investment in our region that supports our communities, creates jobs and strengthens Gippsland.
"Senator Walsh met with our member representatives from across industry including new and traditional energy generation, advanced manufacturing, agriculture and our skills and education providers," Mr Cantwell said.
Following the briefing with Sen Walsh the Committee for Gippsland welcomed Gippsland's offshore wind developers to Warragul. This was the first time projects had come together with Mr Cantwell saying the discussion focussed on sharing information, how to best progress local industry and identify key priorities for the region.
"There is so much that Gippsland does well, from energy to agriculture, tourism to advanced manufacturing and more, and the Committee for Gippsland looks forward to working together with Gippsland's businesses and communities, including within the Baw Baw Shire to strengthen our region's future," Mr Cantwell said.
Sen Walsh said Gippsland has a legacy of generating power for Victoria, and the Future Made in Australia plan was designed to support regions like Gippsland into a clean energy future.
"Gippsland has the skilled workforce, innovative businesses, and education pathways to position it for opportunities in clean energy jobs. It has a strong community too, and engaging with them to hear their ideas for the future is so important to the success of this region," she said.