130 jobs lost at wind turbine factory - Federal Govt to blame

August 22, 2007
From News.com.au

"The reason why Vestas has been unable to continue its operations in Portland is very squarely and directly as a result of the federal government's refusal to extend its renewable energy scheme to allow the industry to expand," he said on the ABC.

MORE than 130 manufacturing jobs will be lost in southwestern Victoria with a wind turbine blade factory set to close.

Vestas Wind Energy will close its Portland blade factory by the end of the year, saying it is not profitable enough.

"Vestas is regrettably compelled to close down its blade factory in Portland, Australia, effective from the year end," the Danish-based company's website said.

"The factory is not of a sufficient size to ensure satisfactory profitability, and the market outlook for Australia makes it impossible to expand the facility."

Opposition spokesman for regional development Denis Napthine said the factory closure was a bitter blow for the 136 workers and made a mockery of the state Government's promise of wind-energy jobs for country Victoria.

"It's absolutely imperative that the Brumby Government gets off its backside, gets down to Portland, talks to Vestas about keeping the factory open and keeping those jobs in Portland," he said on ABC radio.

"If they need assistance to grow the factory, to make it more efficient, the Government should assist."

Victorian Industry Minister Theo Theophanous has blamed the Commonwealth for failing to invest in renewable energy.

"The reason why Vestas has been unable to continue its operations in Portland is very squarely and directly as a result of the federal government's refusal to extend its renewable energy scheme to allow the industry to expand," he said on the ABC.

AWU state secretary Cesar Melhem also took aim at the Federal Government, citing its lack of vision and support for renewable energy.

"(Prime Minister) John Howard likes to say he is a good friend of the worker, but his Government fails time and time again to actually support the retention of good Aussie jobs," Mr Melhem said.

"Australians would much prefer to have their governments investing in local industries that provide good jobs and products, rather than having jobs sent offshore and poor quality goods imported."

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