6 | FEBRUARY - MARCH
2022
COMMENT with EMMA MCBRIDE
www.coastba.com.au
POWERING AUSTRALIA AND THE CENTRAL COAST
Renewable energy our priority EMMA MCBRIDE HE Central Coast has the potential to be a powerhouse of renewable energy. We have businesses on the Coast which are leading the way when it comes to Australia’s future energy capacity and local jobs. We just need a government that will back them in. That’s why I invited the Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Chris Bowen MP to the Coast last month so he could see what we have to offer. We visited Twin Lakes Air and Solar at Toukley, a family-run business that was founded by two brothers back in 1999. They provide quality solar panels and solar battery solutions up and down the Coast, in Sydney and in Newcastle. They know Australia’s future lies in renewable technology like solar, and so does Labor. That’s why we’ve developed an industry-focused plan that will help us transition to renewable energy, while creating more jobs for locals and cutting power bills for families. These are the three key elements of our Powering Australia plan. This is a plan that’s good for families, it’s good for businesses, and it’s good for the economy. It’s also a plan that’s been backed by independent modelling from RepuTex – Australia’s leading energy analyst – and it’s received widespread support from the
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Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Chris Bowen MP visits the Coast.
business community and the Clean Energy Council. Under this plan, we will create 604,000 new jobs by 2030 in places like the Coast. We will also train 10,000 new energy apprentices in jobs for the future.
We’ve been left behind The Powering Australia plan will help reduce power bills for families and businesses on the Coast by up to $275 a year, making energy prices more affordable. Under the plan, we will install 400 community batteries across the country, we will invest up to $43 billion to support renewables manufacturing and low-emis-
sions tech, and we will make electric vehicles cheaper. We will also adopt a 43 per cent emissions reduction target for 2030. It’s not just about a transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy. It’s a plan that puts businesses at the forefront. Businesses on the Coast have been struggling for nearly a decade under this government, because of the uncertainty we’ve had around energy policy. Coasties deserve new job opportunities, and they deserve cheaper low-emissions technology. But under the Morrison Government we’ve been left behind.
Every major economy in the world is currently moving toward renewables, so we need to seize this opportunity and invest in our renewable energy sector. The worlds energy crisis is Australia’s jobs opportunity. This is a chance for us to promote growth and investment in regional areas like the Coast. It’s a chance for us to shape our future. It’s a chance for Australia to become a powerhouse of renewable energy. We need to take these opportunities and make sure we power Australia for the future.
Powering Australia A plan to create jobs, cut power bills and reduce emissions by boosting renewable energy. Labor’s plan will create 604,000 jobs. Spur $76 billion of investment. Cut power bills for families and businesses by $275 a year for homes by 2025. Prioritise growth and investment for the regions that have served as Australia’s engine room for so long – regions that know energy and manufacturing. Regions like the Central Coast. 02 4353 0127 | Emma.McBride.MP@aph.gov.au | emmamcbride.com.au Authorised by Emma McBride, ALP, 204/1 Bryant Drive, Tuggerah NSW 2259
alp.org.au/policies/ powering-australia
