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We need to speed up the shift to renewables. There are opportunities, and risks, for regional communities

Our current energy crisis has laid bare the risks we all face from our over-reliance on expensive and polluting fossil fuels like gas and coal. To safeguard our grid against international price pressures we need to speed up our shift to cheaper, cleaner renewable energy.

 

The shift to renewable energy will present opportunities and challenges, particularly to regional communities. Picture: Shutterstock

The election of a new federal government creates a circuit breaker, with the federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen coming together with energy ministers from all states and territories, representing Labor, Liberal and Greens.

Their meeting last month was described as "a new era of cooperation" and saw them agree to develop a national transition plan away from fossil fuels.

The Albanese government has a mandate for its election promise to implement the $20 billion plan to "rewire the nation".

Additionally, NSW announced $1.2 billion in funding for renewable energy and new transmission lines, the single biggest such investment by a state or territory government.

So work is well underway.

For regional Australia, where much of this new infrastructure will be built, this presents great opportunities.

Read the full article published in the Newcastle Herald 4th July 2022

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