A coalition of leading community organisations has called on the Victorian Government to back a network of Local Energy Hubs across Victoria in the 2026-27 State Budget to support regional communities in the shift to clean energy.
The joint submission to the Victorian Treasury lodged by RE-Alliance, Community Power Agency and Yes2Renewables outlines a proposal for $40 million over four years to establish independent, resourced hubs in seven regional centres across the state, alongside a coordinating state-wide office located in an appropriate regional city.
Local Energy Hubs would act as trusted, local information and outreach centres, helping households, farmers, small businesses, councils and community groups to better understand and participate in Victoria’s shift to renewable energy, including opportunities for community energy projects, electrification and agricultural decarbonisation.
Andrew Bray, National Director of RE-Alliance, said regional Victorians are at the forefront of Victoria’s clean energy build-out and deserve practical, local support.
“We need a source of trusted, local information to cut through the noise so people can understand exactly what’s happening in their patch and how to make the most of the changes underway,” Mr Bray said.
The proposed Victorian-wide network would be coordinated by a state office and located in key regional centres, delivering on-the-ground support and outreach services that reflect local needs and priorities.
About the Local Energy Hubs proposal:
Local Energy Hubs provide tailored, locally relevant information about renewable energy developments, electrification options, energy efficiency, agricultural decarbonisation and community energy projects. They are designed to build local leadership and improve benefit-sharing outcomes from major energy projects.
Local Energy Hubs should be located where they are needed most. The budget submission aligns Local Energy Hub locations with Victorian Renewable Energy Zones, alongside a coordinating state-wide office located in an appropriate regional city. The proposed locations are:
- Portland/Warrnambool
- Horsham
- Shepparton
- Sale/Traralgon
- Swan Hill
- Ballarat
- Wodonga.
More information on Local Energy Hubs can be found at localenergyhubs.org.au.
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