Regional communities in the Latrobe Valley— contained within the federal electorates of Monash and Gippsland—have long formed a cornerstone of our economy. They house significant coal assets, which have brought power into our homes and businesses, foreign capital to our shores, and provided employment to thousands of Australians.

Across the country, a massive change is already underway. Coal-fired generators are facing increased competition, with most confronting expedited retirements—unviable in the face of ever-cheaper renewable energy. The days of insatiable global demand for our thermal coal exports are also numbered.

Blueprint’s modelling indicates that approximately 3,900 jobs in renewable energy projects will be created in the Latrobe Valley over the next eight years. Of these, 740 are permanent, long-term positions. These are new jobs, drawn only from projects that are registered with the regulator and have either already commenced construction, or boast both clear construction dates and funding routes.

The diversification of local employment beyond renewables—to areas such as clean industry development, critical minerals mining, and the auxiliary industries to support them, as well as other emerging sectors—will be necessary to provide meaningful and stable employment to the region’s communities and support Australia’s broader economic growth. Thus, this report also explores the opportunities that are available to the region beyond renewable energy generation.