Local MP Nickolas Varvaris yet to take Stand Up For Solar pledge
Residents in the seat of Barton have met with their local member Nickolas Varvaris and asked him to take pledge to Stand Up For Solar.
In productive discussions Mr Varvaris was personally supportive of solar, but held back on making a full commitment to a renewable energy goal of at least 50% by 2030.
Community members asked Mr Varvaris to commit to:
- a national goal of at least 50% renewable energy by 2030;
- a fair go for solar owners, including a fair feed-in tariff, no discriminatory fees and a specialist solar ombudsman; and
- a national program to help low-income households and renters with soaring power bills to go solar.
Local residents have shown leadership and savvy by investing in rooftop solar and were looking for support from their local member.
“Everyday community members in Barton have chosen to invest in rooftop solar as a great way to reduce their power bills and generate cleaner energy,” said Dan Scaysbrook, Campaigns Director at Solar Citizens.
“The Federal Liberal Party should match Federal Labor’s commitment to a goal of at least 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030. Solar Citizens is calling on Mr Varvaris and all Liberal members to commit to bipartisan support of this goal.
“As a local member Mr Varvaris should be supporting the 2,641 solar homes in his electorate by championing this renewable energy goal.
“This community loves solar power and is looking for commitment and active support from the local MP too.
“Renewable energy can create thousands of jobs, lower power bills for Australian families and help them generate clean energy.
“Over coming months, solar homeowners will be meeting with their local members and asking them to sign the pledge. Australians love solar and it’s time their political leaders supported the community and ensured a bright future for solar,” he said.
Dan Scaysbrook and local residents are available for interview.
Media contact: Siobhan Lyttle 0432 828 004
