This afternoon’s statement comes after over 100 community members gathered in Canberra to call on state and federal ministers to stand up for renewables and show resolve amidst unprecedented bullying from the fossil fuel sector.

“The COAG Energy Council has been a let down for communities who want a transition to from polluting fossil fuels to 100-percent renewable energy,” said Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth renewable energy spokesperson.

“Renewable energy is good for jobs, our economy, and our climate–something all energy energy ministers can support. We’re puzzled as to why renewable energy received so little attention at COAG.”

In recent weeks, a coordinated campaign from fossil fuel lobbyists and boosters in the media has blamed renewable energy for recent power price spikes in South Australia, our proud national leader in renewable energy.

Friends of the Earth say the fossil fuel lobby’s campaign has backfired. It has put the COAG energy council on the map for community members:

“The fossil fuel lobby’s attempt to damage the reputation of renewables and set the COAG energy council’s agenda has backfired,” said Ewbank.

“Over 100 community members gathered outside today’s COAG meeting in Canberra with clear message for state and federal ministers – Every State, Every Territory: 100% Renewables.”

“The community stands ready to ‪defend renewables‬, and will be keeping a close eye on COAG energy council meetings from now on.”

Victorian Lock the Gate campaigners welcomed the Victorian government’s stance on gas policy, which demonstrates Ministers Wade Noonan and Lily D’Ambrosio are acutely aware of the community concern about risky onshore gasfields.

“Hundreds of rural communities and their city supporters across the state are extremely relieved to learn that the Victorian Energy and Resources Ministers are holding strong,” said Lock the Gate Victorian Coordinator Ursula Alquier.

“Maintaining a permanent ban on onshore gas is an amazing opportunity for Victoria to be the smart state–the state that decides to protect it’s diverse economy including agriculture and tourism.”

“A ban on onshore gas is the only way to do this and it’s a good sign that our state representatives are not buying the gas shortage lie and instead are thinking about Victoria’s clean, green, renewable future that will benefit us all,” added Alquier.

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