AS Ausgrid consults communities about upgrades to network infrastructure to support the Hunter Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone, the Hunter Jobs Alliance is urging the Federal Government to deliver a “Local Energy Hub” to the region.

The Alliance, a coalition of unions and environment organisations, expressed concerns that Hunter locals didn’t hear of Ausgrid’s community drop-in sessions in Singleton, Muswellbrook and online.

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Hunter Jobs Alliance Coordinator Justin Page said the region needed a Local Energy Hub to help bridge the information disconnect between governments, industry and the communities being asked to host renewable energy infrastructure like wind and solar farms, batteries and new transmission lines.

“The upgrades being proposed by Ausgrid will see them using existing transmission easements and corridors,” said Justin Page.

“This a fantastic thing and a first for a renewable energy zone in Australia – but we’re concerned locals will never hear about it because they don’t know that consultation sessions are taking place,” he said.

Mr Page said Ausgrid’s consultation process in the Hunter Central Coast region is a good example of why the Hunter needs a Hub.

“The Ausgrid upgrades are key to getting access to cheap renewable energy, creating local jobs and local economic benefits, but the conversation about why it is needed, where it will go and how it will be rolled out is still not happening adequately,” he said.

RE-Alliance, alongside partners Community Power Agency and Yes2Renewables, has been calling on the Federal Government to address the information gap on Australia’s shift to renewables with Local Energy Hubs in renewable energy regions.

“The shift to renewables is well underway, but regional communities are telling us they need much more information to understand how to get the most out of the change,” RE-Alliance National Director Andrew Bray said.

“These hubs would be physical centres with a strong outreach program in renewable energy regions, staffed by independent local experts to help build trust and provide accurate information about what’s happening,” Mr Bray said.