The people of the Central Coast and Hunter regions are set to reap the energy and economic benefits of hosting a Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), with the legislation to establish the State’s fourth REZ passing the NSW Legislative Assembly tonight.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the REZ is great news for local jobs, and would underpin the region’s future prosperity.
“A REZ for the Central Coast and Hunter is a no brainer – our region is home to some of Australia’s best natural resources, we have the skilled workforce, and we also have the existing transmission links,” Mr Crouch said.
“We know that four of the five coal-fired power stations in NSW will come to the end of their operational life in the next 15 years.
“This will disproportionately impact the Central Coast and Hunter regions and our existing skilled energy generation workforce, but establishing this REZ will create hundreds if not thousands of new jobs.
“I’m thrilled the legislation to establish a fourth REZ in NSW has been agreed to by both sides of the Parliament, and the huge investment benefits it will secure for generations to come.”
The NSW Government will now commence detailed scoping works for the Hunter Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone, including consideration of existing transmission links and generation capacity.
The initial works will also include consultation with community and industry stakeholders to maximise opportunities to support existing supply chains and workforces as the region moves towards becoming a hub of cheap, reliable and renewable energy.
For more information, go to: https://energy.nsw.gov.au/renewables/renewable-energy-zones.