[Greens-Media] MEDIA RELEASE: Renew Australia: The Greens’ jobs-rich plan for the Central West

[Williams, Maddy (Sen L. Rhiannon)]

Media Release – 21 June 2016
Renew Australia: The Greens’ jobs-rich plan for the Central West
Greens NSW Senator Lee Rhiannon and Greens candidate for Calare Delanie Sky will hold a press conference in Lithgow tomorrow Wednesday 22 June. They will release the Greens’ Renew Australia plan for the Central West, an initiative which outlines phasing out coal and a transition to the renewable energy industry.
Ms Sky said, “The coal industry is not sustainable, and workers are losing their jobs. The world is turning to renewable energy, risking leaving Australia in the coal dust. Planning the transition to renewable energy is a sound economic and environmental move.
“Lithgow has some of the highest rates of chronic diseases in NSW, such as asthma and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Coal dust is a recognised health risk that results in these diseases, disadvantaging Lithgow residents’ health and wellbeing.
“Lithgow has a proud history in manufacturing and investment in TAFE. With further government investment, we would be well-positioned to lead the way in the transition to the renewable energy economy and creating jobs in manufacturing, engineering and maintenance of renewable energy systems.
“The Greens’ Renew Australia plan prioritises workers and their job security, as well as the health of the general population. Future-proofing Lithgow is the sensible decision to make, and we need to make it now,” said Ms Sky.
Senator Rhiannon said, “Coal-based jobs have been lost in this region, from the Wallerawang coal-fired power station to the Angus Place colliery. The world price of dirty fuel is dropping dramatically.
“The transition to renewables outlined in the Greens’ Renew Australia initiative will bring money and opportunity into the local economy and create a sustainable industry for generations to come,” she said.
The press conference will be held tomorrow at The Tin Shed, 69 Bridge Street, Lithgow at 10:30am.
Media contact:
Delanie Sky: Marianne Larsen 0413 445 991
Lee Rhiannon: Madeline Williams 0421 214 305


Maddy Williams
Campaigner
Senator Lee Rhiannon | Australian Greens Senator for NSW
p:  Sydney 02 9211 9523 | Canberra 02 6277 3496
w: lee-rhiannon.greensmps.org.au<http://lee-rhiannon.greensmps.org.au/signup>
I am a proud member of my union, the CPSU.