Labor’s energy and climate change spokesman Mark Butler met with community groups and researchers in Katoomba last week.
Along with Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman, Mr Butler met with Planet Ark co-founder Jon Dee, and representatives from the Blue Mountains Conservation Society, Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute, and Blue Mountains Renewable Energy Co-Op.
“The Mountains have an impressive number of active individuals and community groups who show an incredible amount of passion, expertise and initiative when it comes to renewable energy technology, promoting low-carbon emissions, waste reduction, energy trading, and protecting the world heritage environment we are so lucky to live amongst,” said Ms Templeman.
“I’m pleased that Mark was able to come out and see for himself and hear ideas that can feed into future policy.”
Mr Butler said the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury regions are leading the way in researching and adapting to the effects of climate change.
“On the one hand you have the world-leading Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment [in Richmond], whose professors and students are delivering the most up-to-date scientific research on climate change.
“Their work is complemented by passionate community groups who have recognised the economic benefits of transitioning to a low-emissions economy, whilst doing their bit to protect the world heritage environment that is right at their doorstep,” he said.
