South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) has warned that Victoria’s energy policy could put manufacturers and jobs at risk unless government acts on energy supply and cost.
SEMMA made the call after its Australian Manufacturing BLUEPRINT ENERGY forum, where industry and political speakers discussed gas, nuclear power and the energy needs of manufacturers.
The group said south-east Melbourne’s manufacturing sector contributes $89 billion annually to the economy and employs 75,400 people across 3,800 businesses.
Manufacturers Push For Energy Rethink
SEMMA CEO Honi Walker said manufacturers need stable, accessible and affordable energy to remain viable.
“If we don’t have a stable and affordable energy supply, then businesses will close, jobs will be lost and entire manufacturing sectors will close,” Ms Walker said.
Ms Walker said the forum raised policy ideas to support manufacturing, long-term jobs growth and living standards.
Gas And Nuclear In Focus
The forum called for Victoria to start gas exploration and for governments to remove nuclear power moratoriums in Australia and Victoria.
Dave Collins, founder of Synergetics, said Australia should move quickly on nuclear power while gas remains available to support industry.
“We need to start building nuclear power stations now, while we still have access to gas to enable our industries to run,” Mr Collins said.
Victorian Shadow Minister for Energy David Davis said wind and solar could not meet all industrial energy needs.
“Victoria’s economy can’t rely on wind and solar. It simply cannot provide the baseload of energy required to run industry, hospitals and our essential services,” Mr Davis said.
Libertarian MP David Limbrick said Victoria should prioritise local gas for industry.
“We have abundant gas in Victoria, we have to stop exporting it and make sure our industry is supported and that energy is an affordable cost and reliable input,” Mr Limbrick said.
Former Family and Small Business Ombudsman Bruce Billson also backed a nuclear debate.
“Why is it ok to have nuclear subs protecting us, but not have nuclear power in our suburbs?” Mr Billson said.
Minister Did Not Attend
SEMMA said it invited Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio to the forum, but she had a pre-planned regional tour.
SEMMA’s next Australian Manufacturing BLUEPRINT Forum, titled EXPAND, will focus on research and development, Industry 4.0, automation, export and capability.
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