A MEETING on energy justice in Wonthaggi last weekend attracted a full house of people wanting to hear more about local energy projects.
The meeting was organised by local groups Groundwell and the Energy Innovation Co-op, and featured speakers from a Gippsland road trip organised by Friends of the Earth Melbourne and Energy Justice Victoria.
Zianna Fuad of Energy Justice Victoria said the road trip was designed to understand how people in regional Victoria were affected by a dated energy system, high electricity prices and the rise of energy poverty.
“Our energy system is failing us. Power prices have skyrocketed since privatisation, risks of energy poverty are steadily increasing and coal is having a devastating effects on the climate and health of our communities. We wanted to see how communities were already pushing for change and what they could do to help.”
In Wonthaggi, the group visited the State Coal Mine to hear about plans for a new 90 kW solar installation (a collaboration with the Energy Innovation Co-op) before attending the energy justice meeting.
Zianna Fuad said it was clear throughout the trip that regional communities were affected by the lack of diversification from fossil fuels and rising electricity prices.
“People wanted to know how they could cut down electricity costs and access renewable energy.”
“Local residents showed their interest in planning for a rapid transition to 100% renewables. This is something we heard all along our Road Trip.
“We would love to see our Government support community projects such as the Energy Innovation Co-op who are paving the way in helping people access clean and affordable energy.”
Zianna Fuad of Energy Justice Victoria said the road trip was designed to understand how people in regional Victoria were affected by a dated energy system, high electricity prices and the rise of energy poverty.
“Our energy system is failing us. Power prices have skyrocketed since privatisation, risks of energy poverty are steadily increasing and coal is having a devastating effects on the climate and health of our communities. We wanted to see how communities were already pushing for change and what they could do to help.”
In Wonthaggi, the group visited the State Coal Mine to hear about plans for a new 90 kW solar installation (a collaboration with the Energy Innovation Co-op) before attending the energy justice meeting.
Zianna Fuad said it was clear throughout the trip that regional communities were affected by the lack of diversification from fossil fuels and rising electricity prices.
“People wanted to know how they could cut down electricity costs and access renewable energy.”
“Local residents showed their interest in planning for a rapid transition to 100% renewables. This is something we heard all along our Road Trip.
“We would love to see our Government support community projects such as the Energy Innovation Co-op who are paving the way in helping people access clean and affordable energy.”
