[Greens-Media] Media alert: Making the Southern Highlands 100% renewable

[John Kaye]

Making the Southern Highlands 100% renewable

Media alert: 22 November 2013 

Replacing NSW's coal and gas fired power stations by 2030 with clean energy generation from wind, rooftop solar and solar thermal generation would create hundreds of new jobs in the Southern Highlands, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.

Dr Kaye will be in Bowral this Sunday to promote the Greens 100% Renewable NSW campaign.

When:  Sunday 24 November, 2:00 pm
Where: Henrietta Rose Room, Bendooley St, Bowral
Who:    Greens NSW MP John Kaye

Dr Kaye is available for interview at the venue or by phone at any time. Photos will be made available on request after the forum.

Media comments:

Dr Kaye said: "Creating an electricity industry that is 100% renewable, jobs-rich and affordable is within our reach. The Greens have a plan to make it happen within 15 years.

"The sooner this state begins the transition away from coal and coal seam gas, the more opportunities there will be to develop strong solar  and wind industries in the Southern Highlands.

"As the world moves away from polluting fossil fuels, NSW can't afford to be left behind. 

"Starting the transition now means that regional NSW can get ahead of the global competition and become leaders in clean energy solutions.

"The fossil fuel industry is pushing for the expansion of the coal seam gas industry in the Southern Highlands, arguing that the state will run out of gas without widespread drilling.

"But clean energy alternatives will make CSG irrelevant.

"The old arguments about the limited ability of renewable energy to power the state and prohibitive costs of clean energy technologies are now over.

"The price of wind and solar technologies are plummeting, while the costs of building and operating fossil fuel power stations are continuing to climb. 

"Studies from the Universities of NSW and Melbourne and from the operators of the national grid show that 100 percent renewable electricity is now entirely possible.

"The website of local Liberal MP Pru Goward refers to 'a sustainable future for the people' living in the Goulburn electorate. 

"Despite inclement weather, Ms Goward's constituents showed their support for a transition to clean energy by enthusiastically participating in last Sunday's National Day of Climate Action.

"As communities across NSW are standing up for renewable energy, the Greens are moving a bill in parliament to transition the state to 100 percent renewable energy. 

"I urge Ms Goward to use her senior position in the government to advocate for a clean energy future for her electorate by supporting the Greens legislation.

"All members of the local community are welcome to join me on Sunday to find out how transitioning to clean energy sources can boost jobs, cut carbon and ensure the health and sustainability of communities in the Southern Highlands," Dr Kaye said.

For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455

Background: 

Liberal Party MP for Goulburn Pru Goward's web site:

"The future of the Goulburn electorate is bright; the local councils, business chambers, environmental and interest groups and village associations work hard to promote the area as a tourist destination and a location for suitable business and industry to ensure our towns and villages have a sustainable future for the people - like me - who love to live here." 

Source: http://prugoward.com.au/Goulburn/AboutGoulburn.aspx