16.04.25
For immediate release
Images and video from the event can be accessed here.
Today, Wollongong locals and community groups turned an empty shop front in Crown Street Mall into a pop-up event for Local Energy Hubs to demonstrate how they could work for the Illawarra region.
Led by local group Good for the Gong, the pop-up event offered a glimpse of what Local Energy Hubs could deliver: a face-to-face resource centre providing trusted, accurate information for those living in renewable energy regions.
RE-Alliance, Community Power Agency and Yes2Renewables have been calling for the Federal Government to fund Local Energy Hubs across Australia, to improve community engagement and access to reliable information about Australia’s shift to renewables.
“Wollongong is set to play an important role in renewable energy generation with the proposed Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone,” said Ali Gerritson from local group Good for the Gong. “This could be a huge opportunity for our community, but we need the right support and information to get the best outcomes for our region. A Local Energy Hub could help make that happen."
Former coal miner and renewable energy advocate Darryl Best also attended the event.
"I spent my whole career working in coal mines. Coal and gas got us this far, but we can't rely on them forever - we need better options," Mr Best said. "Local Energy Hubs can provide us with all the information we need to make well informed, fact based decisions on renewable industries proposed for our area. They will help us to be ready to meet the transition to renewable industries that will provide jobs and prosperity to our region for generations to come."
Local Energy Hubs would be staffed by trusted, independent local experts, offering advice to help navigate the shift to renewable energy, from the household scale through to large, grid-scale projects.
“We know that Australia’s shift to renewables can bring huge benefits, but only if communities are brought along on the journey,” said Andrew Bray, National Director of RE-Alliance.
“Today’s event in Wollongong shows what’s possible, but it also highlights why we’ve been campaigning for Local Energy Hubs across Australia. We’ve been calling on the Federal Government to fund these centres in renewable energy regions to ensure people are supported with practical advice that’s relevant to where they live,” Mr Bray said.
More information on Local Energy Hubs can be found at: localenergyhubs.org.au.
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Background information for media on the campaign for Local Energy Hubs:
All federal candidates for Cunningham in the upcoming election were invited to attend today’s event in Wollongong.
The Illawarra has already seen federal political backing for a Local Energy Hub. Alison Byrnes MP, whose seat of Cunningham includes Wollongong, publicly called for a community engagement hub for the Illawarra region in her joint submission to the Offshore Wind Consultation Inquiry in 2024, with fellow Illawarra MPs Stephen Jones and Fiona Philips.
Alison Byrnes MP said: “By offering face-to-face interactions and access to expert knowledge, a hub could directly address community concerns and misconceptions. This personalised approach could help ease fears, foster open dialogue, and showcase the tangible benefits of renewable energy, shifting perceptions from uncertainty to optimism.”
Ms Byrnes said she was also proud to secure $10 million for a Renewable Energy Training Centre at the University of Wollongong, as well as $2.5 million for Wollongong TAFE.
"This facility will include a community outreach centre and a portable Energy Futures Skills Unit to make sure our local community can access, interact with and learn about the benefits of a clean energy future," Ms Byrnes said.
Jess Whittaker, Greens Candidate for Cunningham, also spoke in support of the initiative: “It's fantastic to see community organisations put forward solutions like Local Energy Hubs to help us move rapidly to renewable energy and away from coal and gas. Our community is keen to reduce our power bills, access government support and move to clean energy. This shopfront should be full of life - full of locals seeking trusted information and ensuring our voices are heard as the Illawarra becomes part of Australia’s renewable energy story.”
Media contact:
Eleanor Buckley M: 0407 613 231 E: [email protected]