WINDFARMS blow almost half a million dollars into Glen Innes and Inverell every year and the Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said that figure would only grow.
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A report from the Climate Council found NSW was the worst state for investment in renewable energy, but Mr Marshall said there were “huge opportunities” for solar and wind developments in his electorate.
“We’ve already got the third largest solar facility in the state in Moree. We’ve now got the largest wind farm in the state in construction in Glen Inness and we’ve got an even bigger one starting in November,” Mr Marshall said.
“It’s something I’m encouraging and I’ll continue to promote our region as a renewable hotspot. I want us to have more of it so we become a net exporter of energy.
“As the local MP I’ve been championing renewables for many years because they have great economic and environmental benefits for our region. Renewables are the way of the future and a great way to add a new string to our economic bow.”
Mr Marshall said future renewable “hotspots” had already been identified.
“West of Inverell is a key hotspot for solar and east of Inverell there is a rich wind corridor,” he said.
“So there are huge potential opportunities, which I want to see fully exploited.”
Australian Wind Alliance national coordinator Andrew Bray said wind farms created new jobs and provided a second source of income for farmers.
“A single wind farm project can regenerate an entire region,” Mr Bray said.
Mr Bray said if the region started coordinating funds in consultation with local councils, then contributions could be spent even more efficiently for communities. NSW has a 20 per cent renewable energy target by 2020 and Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said his seat had the capability to play a larger role in meeting that target.
“We need to look at more renewable energy options in the Tamworth electorate,” Mr Anderson said.
“We’re making headway with solar energy, and I know there has been some interest in the eastern part of the electorate where wind farms may be supported.
“Another area that needs to be considered more is bioenergy. Traditionally wood-based materials have been used the most for bioenergy, however, technologies have improved and there is now potential to use other resources like agricultural residues, oilseed and algae.
“These types of bioenergy sources allow for the sustainable development of the bioenergy industry without competing with the existing agricultural industry for land and resources.”
