Friends of the Earth welcome the Labor party’s commitment of $200,000 to help Newstead become Victoria’s first solar town.
The central Victorian town of Newstead has set a 100 per cent Renewable Energy Target by 2017. The $200,000 grant will assist the local community to develop a master plan for the renewable energy project.
“We welcome the Labor party’s support for communities that have set their own renewable energy targets,” said Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth renewable energy spokesperson. “And we applaud Newstead for its renewable energy ambition.”
Newstead is not alone in its ambition to be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy. This weekend, Yackandandah in north east Victoria will declare its own Renewable Energy Target of 100 percent by 2022.
“Dozens of towns across Victoria have declared themselves gas-field free. We’re now seeing the emergence of towns declaring their intent to be 100 percent renewable,” enthused Mr Ewbank.
“Towns such as Newstead and Yackandandah are sending a clear message to the state government and opposition when it comes to our energy future.”
Friends of the Earth have called on the Premier Napthine and opposition leader Daniel Andrews to commit to restoring a Victorian Renewable Energy Target that works alongside the national scheme.
“Will Daniel Andrews and Denis Napthine throw their weight behind the community’s aspirations and embrace a Victorian Renewable Energy Target?,” asked Leigh Ewbank.
“The ACT has a renewables target of 90 per cent by 2020. South Australia’s target has been lifted to 50 per cent by 2025. Victoria doesn’t have a target and it’s costing jobs.”
“A Victorian Renewable Energy Target will create jobs and deliver cheaper power prices for Victorians – which is something all political parties can support.”
The Labor party has stated conditional support for reintroducing a VRET if the Abbott government axes the national scheme. Labor candidate for the super-marginal seat of Ripon, Daniel McGlone, and marginal South Barwon, Andy Richards, personally support a Victorian Renewable Energy Target.
The Victorian Greens have endorsed the call for a Victorian Renewable Energy Target.
TAKE ACTION:
- Sign our petition calling on opposition leader Daniel Andrews and Denis Napthine to set a Victorian Renewable Energy Target.
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yes2renewables.org 
So Newstead will be disconnecting itself from the grid? What happens at night?
Google Green ‘At Google, we’re striving to power our company with 100% renewable energy. In addition to the environmental benefits, we see renewable energy as a business opportunity and continue to invest in accelerating its development. We believe that by helping power more of the world with renewable energy, we’re creating a better future for everyone.’
Even Google agrees that renewables don’t work . I bet you wont report the following article- http://spectrum.ieee.org/energy/renewables/what-it-would-really-take-to-reverse-climate-change