Regional Australian communities from Gippsland to the Illawarra have come together to express support for renewables, community-driven energy initiatives, and climate action ahead of the first Parliament sitting week of the year.
Simultaneous events organised in Wollongong, the Hunter, Latrobe Valley, and Gladstone drew participants from diverse community organisations and unions.
Kristen McDonald, coordinator of Electrify2515, emphasised the importance of such events.
“It’s exciting to think of the opportunities that renewable energy, in its various forms, can bring to our community: cleaner air, healthier homes, cheaper bills and local jobs. We just have to make sure we do it with enough speed and ambition to address the climate crisis in time,” McDonald said.
Wendy Farmer, Friends of the Earth’s Gippsland organiser, highlighted the importance of renewable energy for a sustainable future and the job opportunities it presents.
“The shift to renewable energy is crucial for a sustainable future, and it’s heartening to see regional communities championing this critical industry and thousands of job opportunities it represents,” Farmer said.
The YES to Renewables rallies will bring together workers, families, unions, environmental groups, business leaders, and climate experts to stand up in favour of—more clean investment, more jobs, more household savings, and a safer future for all Australians.
According to ACTU President Michele O’Neil, communities are overwhelmingly saying yes to renewables because people understand the seriousness of climate change and know the importance of local good jobs.
“Outside commentators are pushing misinformation to further their own political ambitions, rather than listening to the voices of communities and workers who see this as a once in lifetime opportunity to revitalise our economy and create a new generation of good secure renewable energy jobs,” O’Neil said.
“Decarbonising our economy could create hundreds of thousands of good jobs, healthier communities, and a renewed national prosperity, while safeguarding Australians from spiralling climate crises. Renewables have proven time and again that they’re the cheapest form of energy. More renewables on the grid means lower power bills—incredibly important during this cost-of-living crisis. ”
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