The Federal Government will today announce a $1bn investment in a program to develop renewable energy manufacturing in places like the Hunter Valley in NSW. The announcement will be made at the site of the decommissioned Liddell Power station.
A report released this week by the Climate Council provides a roadmap to cut emissions by 75% by 2030 and includes recommendations to invest in clean technologies to stimulate economic growth in regions previously dependent on coal, oil and gas.
Australia can seize the decade by capitalising on our world-beating resources in renewable energy, and deep industry and manufacturing know-how. We can scale up clean ways of powering ourselves, making things, moving around and building our communities.
To arrange interviews, please contact:
Danielle Veldre 0408 972 997 dan.veldre@climatemediacentre.org.au
Jacqui Street 0498 188 528 jacqui.street@climatemediacentre.org.au
THE FOLLOWING LOCAL HUNTER SPOKESPEOPLE ARE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW:
Ivan Waterfield, CEO HunterNet, business network based in the Hunter
Location: Newcastle
“This significant investment in the future of renewables for the Hunter region is timely and very welcome.
“This will bring certainty to the region and more importantly to the manufacturing sector in the Hunter. This will allow organisations to timely invest in any upskilling and training of their own people and provide an incentive to invest and divest in any capital requirements. The future certainly looks bright as we move forward to the changing economy.”
Justin page, Coordinator Hunter Jobs Alliance said:
Location: Liddell
“We have started to see decent investment in the Hunter region for renewable energy builds, like the renewable energy infrastructure on the site of the old Liddell power station, and in the areas of wind farms and hydrogen fuel production - however, for long-term job creation, we need investment in manufacturing, rather than just installation.”
“This investment by the Albanese government is welcome news in the Hunter region, as we have a proud history of manufacturing and proven industry building capabilities. Strategic investment in a future proof manufacturing industry is exactly what the Hunter and Australia needs, and this large commitment at the federal level will bolster our ability to create jobs for the long term in the Hunter region.”
Peter Coughlan, local businessman and member of Hunter Renewal
Location: Lake Macquarie
Peter Coughlan said: “I'm very supportive of the $1billion Solar Sunshot investment. It is a great example of a wider renewable energy based manufacturing sector that could be housed in the Hunter.
“What we need in addition to this direct investment is support for the overarching transition challenge facing the Hunter. There is an urgent need for a properly funded Hunter Transition Authority, in conjunction with the establishment of the Hunter TAFE Centre of Excellence, to upskill our workers.
“So while applauding this announcement I call on both the state and federal governments to work collaboratively and with urgency towards the longer term needs of the entire Hunter community.”
Bob Hawes, CEO Business Hunter
Location: Newcastle
Bob Hawes said: “The Hunter region has been ready to help Australia make this energy shift. It's important to note that the new industry will be positioned in an optimum point in the energy network and able to draw on green electrons produced at Liddell and brought in from the Central West REZ.
“This is going to be a major step in helping the economy achieve net zero whilst ramping up industrial output in a new industry. We know there are opportunities for workers and local businesses, so we welcome this investment announcement from governments today."
Also available:
Heidi Lee, CEO Beyond Zero Emissions, independent think tank.
Location: Melbourne
Sam Mella of Beyond Zero Emissions Hunter
Location: Newcastle
