I believe in the urgency to transition away from fossil fuel energy sources and to switch to abundant, cost efficient renewable energy.
The clean energy transition is a once in a generation opportunity to create thriving regional economies. A timely transition to renewable energy will drive down the cost of living through cheaper electricity, manufacturing costs and electric transport. The price of propping up an outdated and failing fossil fuel industry is costing us all. Cheap and abundant electricity will provide opportunities for new industries and manufacturing in our region and will keep Australia's exports competitive.
I have had many conversations with voters who say the roll out of renewables is dividing communities, particularly in relation to wind farm projects. It doesn't have to be this way.
In my most recent role with RE-Alliance (a not-for-profit organisation working to ensure the energy shift strengthens and supports regional and rural Australia), I have supported communities in the consultation process for new renewable energy projects. I have found that listening to community concerns, working openly with them to reduce impacts, addressing misinformation about renewables (in addition to genuine impacts and challenges) and advocating for optimal economic and social prosperity for communities results in RENEWABLES DONE RESPONSIBLY!
Change is difficult but a process that enables everyone to participate, learn, ask questions, discuss concerns and create a shared vision for the future, puts the community in a position of strength to negotiate with developers about proposed plans, so that they are of net benefit to the region in the long term.
With a community-led process, we have the opportunity to:
- RENEW the generation of electricity from expensive and polluting to cheap and clean sources.
- RENEW exports by using our world-leading solar and wind resources to produce the low carbon products that are most competitive in a decarbonising global economy.
- RENEW the variety of job and training opportunities that are needed to keep people in the regions and offer young people a prosperous future living here. This involves attracting new industries to flourish alongside cheap, clean energy.
- RENEW our towns and villages that have missed out on essential services and upgrades for too long, making the most of the new flow of funds and economic activity, not only from energy projects but from new manufacturing and demand for local goods.
If elected, I will support robust policies already under discussion that mandate decommissioning funds be set aside from the outset by wind farm companies to clear sites at the end of their working life, giving landholders peace of mind.