A cold winter night could not stop the residents of Armidale and New England from packing out the Armidale Town Hall to tell Tony Windsor that they want renewable energy as part of a carbon price deal.
Hadley White from local community group 100% Renewable New England said “we hosted the event 
to show Mr. Windsor the high levels of support for renewables like solar and wind power in his electorate.”
to show Mr. Windsor the high levels of support for renewables like solar and wind power in his electorate.”
“Six speakers from across the region outlined why the Federal Government needed to do more for renewable energy in New England”.
After the speakers the crowd of over 250 people got to their feet and demonstrated their desire for Windsor to work hard in Canberra to get a good deal for renewable energy.
Forum organiser and chairperson Jarra Hicks then asked Mr. Windsor “will you make significant resourcing of renewable energy a condition of your support for the carbon price legislation?”
“Mr. Windsor stated that if there was to be a price on carbon he supported a substantial amount of the revenue stream being directed to renewable energy and land use changes” said Ms Hicks.
“We were delighted to hear Mr. Windsor say that he will continue to work for the residents of New England on this issue. He also said he'd be working for renewable energy with or without the carbon price".
The forum followed months of door knocking and conversations with residents by volunteers from the local group 100% renewable New England.
The results of over 250 conversations with Armidale residents showed that 93% of people wanted to see Australia implement strong policy to generate new jobs in renewable energy.
The results of the conversations along with testimonials of support from businesses and organisations were handed to Mr. Windsor at the conclusion of the forum.
Media Enquiries: Hadley White, spokesperson, 100% Renewable Energy New England, 0478 052 337
Dean Bridgfoot, National Spokesperson for 100% Renewable Energy Campaign, 0448 327 791
Photograph acknowledgement: Simon Scott Tel: 0418 870 765
Check out the photos here, and click here for Prime 7 news coverage, and here for NBN news coverage.
