On Sunday 25 August, Solar Citizens hosted a climate champions’ workshop in Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast. Solar Citizens wanted to bring people together to share their stories and to support each other on their journeys with the renewable energy transition. 

The day commenced with a number of excellent presentations – on the impacts of climate change and how we can fix it (by Imogen Butler, the Climate Reality Project); the amazing scope for rooftop solar to power our cities (me, Philippa) and the role of renewables in the community (Joel Pringle, Campaigns Director, Solar Citizens). A session on storytelling and media skills (Jane Garcia, Communications Director, Solar Citizens) rounded out the workshop and empowered people with tools to tell their Story of Community and Story of Self. 

Did you know enough solar energy reaches Earth every hour to fill all the world’s energy needs for a full year?! And Australia’s 3.69 million rooftop solar installations are reducing our annual emissions by more than 24 million tonnes? But this is just the beginning of the journey. We currently have up to 45.8GW of potential rooftop solar power available across 5.7 million households in Australia. Wow! But why stop there? Solar on walls, fences, balconies and even water bodies is already becoming a thing in other countries and, as the cost of solar panels continues to fall, the opportunities seem almost boundless… especially when we couple our solar with batteries.

As well as the experts, we heard from some local champions who have been working in local organisations to promote the renewable energy transformation. A big thank you to Elise Ganly (Queensland Community Alliance) for taking us through the Renew Australia for All project and to Narelle McCarthy for telling us all about the work of the Sunshine Coast Environment Council (SCEC) in this space. And, of course, no event at the Sunshine Coast is complete without a special mention of Anne Kennedy whose work with Zero Emissions Noosa has been truly trailblazing. With the support of Noosa Council, Zero Emissions Noosa runs an annual EV Expo, is in the process of installing Queensland’s one and only community-owned community battery and has assisted with one of the first and one of the biggest solar rooftop installations in a body corporate setting in Australia. WOW!!!

What a store of talent we have in Queensland. But the table talk, and informal chats revealed an even bigger pool of knowledge and enthusiasm. I met Alan who was involved way back in a community bulk purchase scheme for solar panels; Fien who is a green ambassador for Sunshine Coast University and founder of the Enactus club; and a local grazier concerned about transparency and biodiversity impacts being accounted for in the planning of large-scale renewable energy projects. It's critically important for our governments to resource adequate consultation processes that contribute to the social licence of renewable energy infrastructure, and this includes community involvement and transparency.   

It was beautiful weather on the Sunshine Coast on Sunday (the beach was just outside our window). I am simply in awe that people are so motivated by the renewable energy transition that they were willing to give up a whole Sunday to immerse themselves in this big adventure. As the newly appointed Queensland Clean Energy Campaigner for Solar Citizens, it was particularly exciting for me to meet so many inspiring and committed people. You are all my heroes and I look forward to collaborating with you again over the following months and beyond. Go the Sunshine State, let’s continue to lead the pack!