Paul Bibby
Local renewable energy projects would be funded on a dollar-for-dollar basis and solar-powered batteries made mandatory on all new homes under The NSW Greens renewable energy policy, launched in Mullumbimby yesterday.
Launched by Federal Greens leader Richard Di Natale, local MP Tamara Smith and Vice-President of Community Owned Renewable Energy Mullumbimby (COREM), Thomas Keily, the policy sets out more than $7 billion worth of investment.
According to The Greens this would allow NSW to have 100 per cent of its energy generated through renewable sources by 2030.
‘Climate change is at a crisis point – we no longer have the luxury of time to fiddle around with half-hearted policies and delaying tactics,’ Senator Di Natale said.
‘I challenge Premier Berejiklian and NSW Labor Leader Michael Daley to show some leadership and adopt our plan to ensure a clean energy future for New South Wales.”
The Greens policy includes a range of ambitious measures to transform the state’s energy generation system, including $5 billion worth of ‘renewable infrastructure hubs’ such as wind and solar farms – some of which would be built in Lismore – and pumped storage hydroelectricity.
A further $1.25 billion would be spent on other solar energy projects, including $2000 rebates for a million homes which have rooftop solar and batteries, and the installation of solar on all public housing and government buildings.
‘The Northern Rivers should be leading the transition to renewable energy, we already lead well above the state average in rooftop solar generation, innovative Local Government projects and groups like COREM and Enova Energy leading the way in community-owned renewable energy,’ Ms Smith said.
‘Voters overwhelmingly want increased solar energy but the Liberal-National State Government is sadly behind the curve having no real Renewable Energy Target.’
‘The Greens have the best and most comprehensive plan for a clean energy future, which is why we are the only party awarded full marks in the Nature Conservation Council’s Policy Scorecard. In the Northern Rivers our plan will drives down emissions, reduce energy bills by $410 per year and create at least 1,100 new jobs in the renewable energy industry.’
Mr Kiely said COREM was working to democratise and localise the energy system by delivering small scale locally owned renewable energy projects.
‘We have the technology, but we need good policy and funding for Mullumbimby to be at the forefront of community energy projects,’ he said.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
