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Powering Change: Kate Hook backs Electrification for Calare

MEDIA RELEASE: Wednesday 29 January, 2025

Kate Hook, independent candidate for Calare, has welcomed the federal government’s expansion of the household electrification scheme but is calling for more investment to electrify entire regional towns and rural communities including houses and small businesses, saying areas like Calare are too often overlooked in the push for a clean energy future.

“What we’ve seen with this funding is exactly what independents can deliver in Parliament for the communities they represent,” Ms Hook said. “It was independent senators David Pocock and Jacqui Lambie who stood up for their electorates and secured this funding, demonstrating the power of strong independent voices. This is the kind of advocacy we need more of for rural and regional electorates like Calare.”


The government’s Household Energy Upgrades Fund will subsidise households to switch from gas to electricity and adopt energy-efficient appliances. While Ms Hook applauds the initiative, she said the focus must shift to large-scale, community-wide solutions for regional areas while still addressing the nuances of smaller rural communities.


“In Calare, we’re sick of being last in line,” Ms Hook said. “Electrifying entire towns like Blayney, Molong or Canowindra would transform our region, cut power bills for everyone, and create jobs. This is exactly the kind of bold investment regional Australia needs – and it’s exactly what independents can deliver.”


Ms Hook pointed to the role independents played in shaping and securing this funding as proof of their effectiveness in Parliament.


“Independents did this, not political parties. David Pocock and Jacqui Lambie fought for this funding, showing that when independents put Australians first, not the interests of the coal and gas industry, they can cut through the political noise and deliver real outcomes for their communities,” Ms Hook said. “We need more of that energy in the House of Representatives to ensure rural towns like those in Calare don’t miss out again.”


“This is why strong, independent representation in Parliament matters,” Ms Hook said. “When independents advocate for regional Australia, they get results. Calare needs that kind of leadership – someone who will fight for funding to ensure we’re at the forefront of the clean energy revolution, not left behind."


Ms Hook is advocating for federal funding to pilot whole-town electrification projects in regional areas like Calare. However, she is well aware that the needs of the communities across the electorate, which is just slightly larger than Belgium, are not the same. Community-led solutions supported by federal funding are essential for the overall success of her vision.


Energy for Everyone: Upgrading energy infrastructure to fully electrify towns and rural areas, powered by renewable energy and supported by solutions like community batteries, local renewable energy grids and off-grid for more remote properties
Jobs for the Regions: Creating local training programs and long-term employment opportunities in clean energy installation and maintenance.
Fairness for All: Ensuring that subsidies and programs support renters, low income families, and small businesses – not just homeowners.
Economic Transformation: Helping regional businesses including farms electrify their operations and reduce costs to stay competitive.


“Electrifying Calare isn’t just about cutting emissions – it’s about economic resilience,” Ms Hook said. “Imagine a town powered entirely by affordable, renewable energy. That’s not just a pipe dream; it’s within reach with the right
leadership and funding.”


Ms Hook emphasised that cooperation between independents and governments is key to unlocking these opportunities and relieving the cost of living immediately. The Coalitions proposed nuclear power plant for Lithgow will take decades to complete, cost substantially more than renewable energy options and won’t guarantee any sort
of financial relief for consumers. Ms Hook recommends the current $14B government funded subsidies for fossil fuels be redirected into projects like Electrifying Calare. She is also proposing contingent financing, a HECS-like scheme
that allows households to make the changes to electrify their homes experiencing the benefits immediately, paying back the costs if and when their financial situation allows.


Kate Hook is encouraging residents across Calare to join her campaign and back bold action to bring affordable and renewable energy to their communities.
“We don’t have to wait for the big parties to get around to us. With the right voice in Parliament, we can make it happen ourselves,” Ms Hook said.

 

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