More than 50 organisations spanning the eastern seaboard have today issued an open letter to Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, urging the Federal Government to urgently fund a network of Local Energy Hubs across Australia.
From community groups to peak environment and industry bodies, the signatories are united in their call for a practical solution in rural and regional communities where renewable energy projects are being proposed or built, often without adequate information or support.
RE-Alliance, Community Power Agency and Yes2Renewables have been calling for the Federal Government to fund Local Energy Hubs across Australia, a proposed network of outreach centres staffed by locals to assist communities navigating renewable energy and transmission projects, while helping local households, businesses and farms to lower their energy bills and electrify.
Wendy Farmer from Voices of the Valley in Gippsland, Victoria, said: "Local Energy Hubs will build community trust in renewables, turning confusion into confidence and sparking community led change, making the energy shift work for everyone".
In NSW, community group Good for the Gong has been urging local politicians to secure funding for Local Energy Hubs for the Wollongong region.
"Wollongong has huge potential to lead the energy transformation. It's a windy place, with lots of local ventures already exploring ways to capture and store renewable energy. A Local Energy Hub would be a valuable resource for the community to access accurate and up-to-date information and make the most of the opportunities in renewable energy, from new jobs to cheaper, cleaner energy for households," said Ali Gerritsen, spokesperson for Good for the Gong.
While 70% of people living in renewable energy zones support Australia's shift to renewable energy, that support is highly conditional. The open letter argues that Local Energy Hubs are essential to building trust and unlocking the full benefits in the shift to renewables for regional communities.
"Australia has a real opportunity to be a global leader in renewable energy, and that starts with supporting the regions that are powering the country. That means ensuring communities have the guidance, information and support they need to navigate this energy transformation, and secure the benefits that will flow to workers, homes and businesses. Local Energy Hubs can provide that trusted, practical support to help our community with everything from household electrification - all the way to making the most out of the big projects," said Justin Page, Hunter Jobs Alliance Coordinator.
The organisations warn that given the complexity of the change ahead, what happens in the next five years is critical. Without urgent government action to fund Local Energy Hubs, the shift to renewable energy will not happen at the speed and scale required, putting at risk both community support and Australia's broader clean energy goals.
"We've been working in regional communities at the centre of Australia's shift to renewables for more than a decade, clearly articulating the case for Local Energy Hubs for more than two years," said RE-Alliance National Director, Andrew Bray.
"We keep hearing the same thing: we need clear, trusted information and practical support and we can get that through the Local Energy Hubs model. Without it, the rollout of renewable energy will keep running into delays, cost blowouts and opposition. Everyone has a stake in getting this right."
The full open letter and list of signatories
