A huge cross section of regional Australia living in the thick of our shift to renewable energy has come together as part of a new film series.
Former coal workers, farmers, parents, former Councillors and community leaders deliver frank and optimistic perspectives that highlight what regional Australia can be gaining from the shift to renewables.
Produced by The New Joneses and hosted by Neighbours star Ryan Moloney (aka ‘Toadie’), the series ‘Good Neighbours’ follows Ryan as he hits the road to learn about Australia’s shift to renewable energy and the regional communities making it happen.
There are some really powerful stories from the Latrobe Valley and Horsham in Victoria, to Wollongong, Goulburn and Crookwell in NSW.
'Farms, turbines, transmission lines'
- Simon Tickner, Wallup farmer
Transmission lines matched with renewable energy like wind turbines have made our property worth more. It's simple economics. You're earning extra income off that plot of land, that makes the farm worth more.
'Offshore wind, onshore opportunities'
- Tony Wolfe, former coal worker & Darren McCubbin, former Mayor, Gippsland
I was born in the Latrobe Valley and I’ve worked in the coal industry for well over 40 years. Offshore wind is a no-brainer for Gippsland because we are transitioning away from fossil fuels and we need something to replace that with.
'Farms, turbines + towns'
- Dimity Taylor, Crookwell farmer
For people who are going to have renewables coming to their communities, I say welcome it and get involved. Communicate with the companies that are coming and really think about how they can be good community partners.
'Communities + solar farms'
- Ed Suttle, Goulburn farmer
The community support for the Goulburn Solar Farm shows that we are a forward-thinking ‘we can do it’ type of community. We love the fact that nearly all the profit will stay within the community because it's local.
'Whales, jobs + offshore wind'
- Darryl Best, former coal engineer & Ali Gerritsen, parent, Wollongong
We can’t be using coal and gas anymore – it’s got us this far and now we need a better option. I know that offshore wind is the key to a better future for my kids.
“What these five films show is that communities hosting renewable energy urgently need local support to engage directly with Australia’s energy shift," said RE-Alliance National Director Andrew Bray.
"That's why we're calling for the Federal Government to fund Local Energy Hubs for regional communities in the upcoming Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook." Find out more about Local Energy Hubs at www.localenergyhubs.org.au.