Bill Shorten to announce power hub plan for Tathra

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten is making the announcement in Tathra today, Tuesday, January 29, alongside Eden-Monaro MP Mike Kelly.

It will be the first location for a Community Power Hub as part of Labor’s $100million Neighbourhood Renewables Program announced in November last year.

“The program is aimed at helping renters and social housing residents benefit from cheaper and cleaner renewable energy, by supporting local community renewables projects such as solar gardens on rooftops, community wind farms, energy efficiency upgrades for social housing, and grants for community groups to pilot new projects,” Mr Shorten said.

“Labor will work with local communities, local councils and renewable energy groups to determine the best location for the hub, but the benefits will be felt across the Far South Coast.”

Mr Shorten said the hub will support the development, coordination and financing of local projects to increase the uptake of renewables, including through solar cells and batteries.

Tathra is already home to Australia’s first community-owned solar farm.

The 30kW solar farm is an initiative of community climate action group Clean Energy for Eternity and consists of 120 panels of 250W capacity arranged to form the word “IMAGINE”.

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“The Tathra community is already ahead of the game when it comes to renewable energy,” Mr Shorten said.

“It was the birthplace of the Clean Energy for Eternity group which has focussed on encouraging individuals to invest in renewable energy sources and engaged in fundraising activities to put solar panels on community infrastructure.

“They just need a government in Canberra willing to back them in and support these impressive projects. 

“The hub will bring legal and technical expertise to the passion of community ideas.”