March 7, 2025
Community groups have labelled the Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy’s decision not to announce funding for Local Energy Hubs at last night’s Hunter Community Alliance (HCA) Assembly as a missed opportunity.
An extensive listening process before the Assembly found residents wanting access to more information and opportunities about large scale renewable energy projects slated for the region, and how renewable energy and energy efficiency can lower energy bills at a household and business level.
Which is why they called on Minister Chris Bowen to address the information gap with Local Energy Hubs.
The Renewable Energy Alliance (RE-Alliance), alongside partners Community Power Agency and Yes2Renewables, has been calling on the Federal Government to fund Local Energy Hubs in renewable energy regions like the Hunter.
Local Energy Hubs would be physical centres with a strong outreach program staffed by independent local experts to help build trust and provide accurate information about what’s happening in renewable energy regions.
Hunter Jobs Alliance Coordinator Justin Page said:
“We’re disappointed. Our community needs access to clear information and resources to leverage renewable energy investment into local opportunities. Local Energy Hubs would provide this.”
RE-Alliance National Director Andrew Bray said:
“The Government is rightly focussed on progressing Australia’s shift to renewables to lower emissions as quickly as possible.
“But the rollout is at serious risk if governments continue to sideline the needs of regional and rural communities in the process.
“Without access to information, it is much harder for communities to realise the long-term benefits that this generational change can bring.
“It is disappointing that when presented with this ask from such a broad range of community organisations - from churches to community groups to unions - that the Minister still hasn’t made a commitment to funding Local Energy Hubs for regions like the Hunter.”
More information on the Local Energy Hubs model can be found at: localenergyhubs.org.au.
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For media inquiries and interview requests please contact Kitty Walker on 0438900117 or [email protected]
About RE-Alliance:
The Renewable Energy 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.
