The Shoalhaven needs more renewable energy to cut household costs and create jobs, according to Shoalhaven Greens mayoral candidate, Kaye Garter.
Speaking at the Greens’ No Nukes – Net Zero policy launch in Berry on Sunday, Gartner said a Greens-led Council would take action to drive the benefits of energy efficiency deeper into the community.
“As a Councillor, I took strong action over 5 years to introduce a Renewable Energy policy and get a 3MW solar farm built in the Shoalhaven,” she said.
“But Council can and must do more.”
Gartner said cost of living pressures and increasing insurance costs after a succession of natural disasters are affecting everyone in the Shoalhaven.
“Energy is a major cost for everyone and we need to make it cheaper,” she said.
Gartner said there was significant potential to further reduce energy bills and Council’s environmental footprint through measures such as by expanding solar panel and battery installations and electrifying the council’s vehicle and machinery fleet.
“Electrification also extends beyond council,” she said. “Electrifying households and businesses can generate yearly savings of over $4,000 per
household, resulting in over $200 million benefit to the Shoalhaven economy according to Rewiring Australia”.
Gartner said a Greens-led Council would ensure households got the benefit of cheap energy costs. She said she would work to promote wider access to rooftop solar panels and work with households to ensure they have adequate insulation.
“Affordable housing projects should also be built with solar panels,” she said.
Council has already introduced 100 per cent renewable energy for 570 Council sites with renewables such as sewerage pumping stations, sports fields and public toilets.
It has also worked with Endeavour Energy to switch residential streetlights to LED technology, saving $500,000 a year in electricity costs.
“Electrification also keeps money in the local community,” said Gartner. “This shift will create over a thousand new local jobs as skilled workers are needed to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place.”
“There is a way forward. There are actions to take. Council can move the benefits of renewable energy deep into our community.
“As Mayor, I will ensure the economic benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency get into our community, reducing everyones’ cost of living.”
