MEDIA RELEASE: O’Farrell’s renewable energy credibility on the line
More than $10 billion dollars of investment – and Barry O’Farrell’s reputation on renewable energy – is on the line today, as the NSW government considers new wind planning guidelines, says community campaign 100% Renewable.
“The NSW cabinet is currently deciding whether they want the thousands of new jobs and billions of dollars worth of investment that wind farms can bring to NSW," said campaign coordinator Lindsay Soutar.
"After crippling the solar industry in NSW, this decision stands as a key test of whether the O’Farrell government has any interest in seeing a thriving renewable energy industry in NSW.
“Wind power will bring significant job and economic development opportunities to regional NSW. It will also play a critical role in meeting the NSW government’s 20% renewable energy target.
"If Barry O’Farrell is planning to turn his back on wind power in NSW, it would be completely out of step with community expectations. With coal and coal seam gas having lost their social licence, wind power - along with solar - will play a critical role in meeting NSW’s future energy needs.
“Wind power enjoys high levels of community support because it’s a clean, safe source of power that will never run out.
“The Premier needs to ensure he gets the balance right between ensuring fair and transparent planning processes, and ensuring that NSW will continue to reap the benefit of investment in wind power” said Ms Soutar.
The 100% Renewable campaign will meet with Planning Minister Brad Hazzard tomorrow and will be asking him to publicly re-assert the NSW government’s commitment to the 20% renewable energy target, and to ensure that NSW gains the benefits of more than $10 billion of investment in wind power.
