AS TRADITIONAL mining companies circle some of our most prized farmland and protesters wage war against coal extraction, a proposal to establish a “zero-energy town” in the region is exquisitely timed.
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The unique project aims to assist residents of a local town to become energy neutral within 10 years.
The plan has ignited interest in a swag of smaller local communities, including Uralla, Walcha, Glen Innes, Inverell, Bingara and Manilla.
At a time of electricity “bill shock” and climate change alarmism, it’s hardly a mystery why community leaders are clamouring to take part.
The real mystery is why mayors and general managers of every town in the region aren’t putting in an expression of interest.
The proposal ticks more boxes than a HSC maths marker.
It helps diversify and revitalise agriculture-reliant towns, it creates employment and wealth, it looks after the environment, it saves residents dollars, it brings communities together and it would make the town a tourist landmark.
It also brings with it plenty of political capital by helping communities hitch a ride on the renewable energy bandwagon.
A zero-energy town would send a powerful message to householders across the nation about the potential of technology in reducing our power bills and our carbon footprint.
Simple steps such as installing LED lighting, retro-fitting pumps on properties and a few strategically placed solar panels, if adopted nationwide, could dramatically cut Australia’s emissions.
And despite the federal government’s reticence to commit to the former government’s Renewable Energy Target, renewables are here to stay.
The Renewable Energy Target gave the wind and solar power generation industries a running start and it’s now not an issue of if, but when, coal-fired power generation will be snuffed out.
Just as the industrial revolution made charcoal as fuel obsolete, the renewable revolution will kill off coal.
At a time of such change, courageous thinking from our leaders is required to ensure the revolution starts here.