Farmers, retired coal workers and local government representatives have travelled to Canberra to explain why Local Energy Hubs are urgently needed in their communities.
The group briefed politicians at an event hosted by the Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi MP and the Federal Member Indi, Helen Haines MP.
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Local Energy Hubs are a proposed network of outreach centres staffed by locals to assist communities navigating renewable energy and transmission projects, while helping local households, businesses and farms to lower their energy bills and electrify.
Retired coal engineer from Wollongong, Darryl Best said Local Energy Hubs were needed in the Illawarra.
“I’ve worked all my life in coal mines. I don’t regret that I worked in it, but I do regret the effect it’s had on the climate,” he said.
“We need to move away from fossil fuels, but in a way where there are new industries and jobs that people can be proud of. We need Local Energy Hubs in the Illawarra so people can access factual information about renewables, both in this area and how we fit into the national plan.”
Glenbrae farmer and local councillor David Clark said his community was no stranger to renewable energy projects.
“Having multiple renewable energy and transmission projects in your community is not easy, it’s messy, there’s a lot of things to consider and not everyone will get everything they want,” Clark said.
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“Firstly everyone needs to have access to factual information. From there a community can work together to put its best foot forward because I’ve seen how small communities can benefit from these projects. That’s what Local Energy Hubs are about and I think it could really help us.”
Helen Haines MP, Federal Member for Indi said, “The creation of a network of Local Energy Hubs would assist regional towns, industry and organisations to access reliable information about Australia’s energy transformation and support genuine regional development and community benefit.”
