Australian Renewables Academy Hosts Geelong Dialogue: Shaping Sustainable Energy Futures

At The Gordon TAFE's Share Plate, 28 community leaders, industry experts, and educators gathered on 18 September for ARA’s sixth regional 'Dinner and Dialogue' event in 2024, our largest group so far in Victoria’s second-largest city.

The Dinner focused on the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapid growth in Geelong and surrounding areas, such as the Bellarine Peninsula and Golden Plains.

Addressing Community and Housing Concerns

The forum opened with discussions on the significant population increase in the region, driven by newcomers attracted not only by clean energy jobs but also by the appeal of local amenities and lifestyle. This influx has sparked concerns about rising rents and the preservation of local jobs for residents, highlighting the need for strategies that balance growth with community welfare.

Educational Initiatives and Workforce Development

A central theme of the evening was the importance of education in fostering a sustainable clean energy workforce. Participants discussed engaging parents of current students to highlight the opportunities presented by apprenticeships in the clean energy sector and a better understanding of the sector and its supply chain more generally. The focus extended to how careers education, through initiatives like Head Start and careers teachers’ networks, could better inform students about these opportunities.

The event also tackled the broader educational challenges faced by the sector, including the need for more adaptable and practical training models. Suggestions included shortening the duration of qualifications to make training more accessible and aligning vocational education and higher education more closely to create seamless pathways for students into the clean energy workforce.

Innovative Approaches to Training and Skills Development

The dialogue highlighted innovative international examples, such as shorter, intensive training programs in the United States, which could be adapted to meet local needs. There was also a strong call for training programs that produce "expert generalists" who can adapt to various roles within the clean energy sector, reflecting a shift towards more integrated and flexible educational frameworks.

Community Integration and Sustainable Development

Participants focused on the importance of developing infrastructure and community services to support the growing workforce, particularly housing and social amenities. The conversation also touched on the potential socio-economic challenges of worker camps, suggesting that more generous community benefit funds and collaborative efforts between communities and developers could lead to better housing outcomes and sustainable community legacies. For example, they were building new worker accommodation communities which can be converted later into social and affordable housing options available for new residents to the region.

Policy and Industry Engagement

The discussion acknowledged the potential of international students and skilled migrants in filling workforce gaps, advocating for policy adjustments to facilitate their integration into the workforce. There was a consensus on the need for a clean energy sector plan for the region and Australia, including detailed strategies for workforce development and industry growth. On this issue, guests noted that the work is already being done by G21 and the Barwon  Regional Alliance for Community Energy (BRACE) to develop a clean energy sector plan for the region.

Looking Forward

The Geelong Dinner and Dialogue once again underscored the necessity of a coordinated approach that includes educational reform, community engagement, and policy innovation to harness the full potential of the region's clean energy capabilities.

As part of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network (https://www.unesco.org/en/creative-cities), Geelong's design heritage was recognised as a foundation for building a clever, creative and sustainable future.

As these dialogues continue to shape the strategic direction for Australia's clean energy future, the insights from Geelong are set to contribute significantly to national discussions on sustainable development and workforce readiness.

ARA's next Dinner & Dialogue event will be in Newcastle on 9 October.

Empower Australia Forum 2024 in Melbourne on 14 November

Looking ahead, the Australian Renewables Academy invites you to continue these important discussions at the Empower Australia Forum on 14 November 2024 in Melbourne. This flagship event will further explore themes from our nationwide dialogues and enhance collaborative efforts to shape Australia's clean energy landscape. Prepare for a day of impactful discussions and strategic networking—perfect for building on the momentum from our 2024 events nationwide.

To be part of the conversation, register here: https://www.renewablesacademy.com.au/empower-australia-forum-2024.