Daniel McGlone, Labor candidate for Ripon has expressed strong support for Ararat Mayor, Cr Paul Hooper's comments reported in The Ararat Advertiser, on the federal government's review of the Renewable Energy Target (RET).
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Mr McGlone agreed with the Mayor that the review's findings are disastrous for the industry and for our region.
"The Napthine coalition government should be supporting Ararat by taking council's concerns up to the federal government," Mr McGlone said.
"If the RET is reduced or abolished, it will impact on investment and local jobs in our region. Looking at the Ararat Wind Farm alone, if it doesn't go ahead, it will cost 160 construction jobs and 255 indirect jobs. The total loss to Ararat will be approximately $155 million. And that's just one of the four wind farms planned for this area.
"The Whelan Report into local government found that Ararat was amongst 18 councils that had question marks over their financial sustainability. Wind farms make a significant contribution to council rates improving the long-term sustainability of small rural municipalities.
"Pacific Hydro has also demonstrated its commitment to the community through the many grants it has provided to local groups. Other wind farm companies have similar plans to support their local communities.
"Ararat has always been a very positive town that looks to the future. We need to think about a future in which farmers not only produce food and fibre, they also produce clean energy. This is the way forward."
