The Parliamentary inquiry into the sustainability of energy supply and resources, which I am chairing, held hearings last week. Committee members were able to question experts across government, local government, energy and network suppliers, the mining industry, unions, think-tanks, and community and environment groups. Most witnesses agreed that coal’s contribution to energy supply and exports is on the decline and we have to diversify the coal dependent communities’ economies to prevent future disruption and shock.

We learnt about some of the exciting innovations in renewable energy that would benefit from the skills in coal communities to create thriving industries including for export and heard from Lord Mayor Clover Moore about how the City’s switch to 100 per cent renewable energy created hundreds of regional jobs. We will conduct further hearings in the Hunter Valley before making recommendations to government. You can see transcripts and hearings HERE.