As Ausgrid consults communities about upgrades to critical network infrastructure to support the Hunter Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone, local groups are urging the Federal Government to deliver a Local Energy Hub to the region.
The Hunter Jobs Alliance is concerned locals didn’t know Ausgrid’s community drop-in sessions in Singleton and Muswellbrook last week were taking place, and encouraged people to attend online webinars this Thursday 6 February.
Hunter Jobs Alliance Coordinator Justin Page said the region needed a Local Energy Hub to help bridge the information disconnect between governments, industry and the communities being asked to host renewable energy infrastructure like wind and solar farms, batteries and new transmission lines.
“The upgrades being proposed by Ausgrid will see them using existing transmission easements and corridors,” said Justin Page.
“This a fantastic thing and a first for a renewable energy zone in Australia - but we’re concerned locals will never hear about it because they don’t know that consultation sessions are taking place,” he said.
Mr Page said Ausgrid’s consultation process in the Hunter Central Coast region is a good example of why the Hunter needs a Hub.
“The Ausgrid upgrades are key to getting access to cheap renewable energy, creating local jobs and local economic benefits, but the conversation about why it is needed, where it will go and how it will be rolled out is still not happening adequately,” he said.
RE-Alliance, alongside partners Community Power Agency and Yes2Renewables, has been calling on the Federal Government to address the information gap on Australia’s shift to renewables with Local Energy Hubs in renewable energy regions.
RE-Alliance National Director Andrew Bray said: “The shift to renewables is well underway, but regional communities are telling us they need much more information to understand how to get the most out of the change.”
“These hubs would be physical centres with a strong outreach program in renewable energy regions, staffed by independent local experts to help build trust and provide accurate information about what’s happening,” Mr Bray said.
The Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi MP and Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP have both publicly backed the need for a Local Energy Hub in the Hunter.
Hunter Jobs Alliance Coordinator Justin Page added: “Hubs are a no-brainer for the Hunter, the question we’ve got for the Federal Government is why don’t we have one yet?”
More information on the Local Energy Hubs model can be found at: localenergyhubs.org.au.
To register for the Ausgrid online forums taking place at 12:30pm and 7:30pm on Thursday 6 Feb email [email protected] or visit yoursay.ausgrid.com.au/hccrez.
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About RE-Alliance: RE-Alliance is working to secure an energy shift that delivers long-term benefits and prosperity for regional and rural Australia. They do this by listening to the needs of communities, facilitating collaboration across the renewables industry to deliver social outcomes and advocating for meaningful engagement and benefits for regions.
About the Hunter Jobs Alliance: The Hunter Jobs Alliance is a coalition of unions and environment organisations, working together to create a future for the Hunter with full employment, good union jobs, a thriving and healthy living environment, an equitable society, a stable climate, and renewable prosperity. The members and supporters are workers, conservationists, local businesses - people with deep ties to the Hunter region and a shared commitment to its fair and sustainable future.
