Over twenty climate change groups gathered in Port Macquarie last weekend to plan a significant boost to renewable energy in Australia.
The workshop was the first of many around Australia and was jointly hosted by Climate Change Australia — Hastings Branch (CCA-H) and the national 100 per cent renewable campaign.
CCA-H president Harry Creamer said that community groups are becoming frustrated by the lack of government support for renewable energy.
“There is a lot of interest in clean, renewable energy, and the jobs it will provide in our regional towns. The rapid uptake of solar panels across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region is an indication of that,” Mr Creamer said.
“Australia is far from realising its full potential. In one of the sunniest countries in the world, it seems strange that we aren’t building large-scale solar plants like they are overseas,” he said.
According to Mr Creamer, a price on carbon, plus a major increase in renewable energy, is essential to stabilise electricity price rises.
“The delay in implementing clear policy on future energy supplies and the lack of a commitment to renewable energy is creating uncertainty and driving stop-gap measures which are more expensive,” he said.
“The longer we delay, the more expensive it gets to combat climate change and secure affordable energy for our future needs.”
Participants came from as far away as Bega, Wagga Wagga and the Tweed. Local MP Rob Oakeshott was also invited to address the workshop.
Discussed was a proposal for a North Coast Energy Strategy.
