An analysis delivered by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) and think tank Green Energy, has fuelled talks of early power station closures in NSW, and potentially for the Hunter. The accelerating economic risks that this may pose for the Hunter present opportunities for the establishment of the Hunter 2050 Foundation, auspiced by the Hunter JO.
“The time to respond to these risks is now,” says Cr Bob Pynsent, Hunter JO Chair and Mayor of Cessnock. “These power station closures could happen quickly, and frankly, I don’t think we are ready for the changes that would flow. It’s not just the jobs at the power stations themselves, but the flow-on impacts on businesses in supply chains, and facilities such as the Tomago smelter that rely on local energy.”
The Hunter 2050 Foundation project has already received a wide range of support from across the different levels of government, industry, and the community, as a vehicle to assist the region to respond to the significant economic and social impacts of mining and energy operation closures.
The Hunter JO are continuing to engage with State and Federal Governments, to convince other levels of government of the need to support and partner for this locally-led initiative.
To read our recent Media Release, click here.