Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips has called out the Morrison government, saying they must do more to address the ongoing "energy crisis."
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In a speech in parliament on Tuesday, Mrs Phillips said there are many ways to address the crisis but they can't happen without the government's assistance.
"We are facing one of the greatest challenges of our time, and the Morrison government is wasting precious time with its inaction," she said.
"We need a clear and coherent energy plan, and we need it now...we know some of the ways we can address the crisis but, without guidance and support from the government, industry will continue to be backed against a wall."
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Noting that climate change is a "real and genuine threat", Mrs Phillips said moving towards a renewable energy future would eventually create more job opportunities.
"These industries won't pop up overnight. We won't suddenly become 100 per cent reliable on renewables tomorrow," she said.
"It isn't possible and, frankly, it would be irresponsible. This is what those opposite don't seem to understand.
"What we are talking about is a transition, and transitions take time. They take careful planning-making sure we help those who are moving out of old industries at the same time that we are helping people move into new ones."
In order to build skills and create more jobs, Ms Phillips said the government must focus on directing funding towards TAFE.
"TAFE needs to play a critical role in this, training apprentices, teaching people the skills they need for the future," she said.
"Education is essential. But even now we are seeing more and more funding being ripped out of TAFE and more and more jobs lost. It sounds like a different issue, but as a former TAFE teacher I can tell you it's not. It should all be forming part of the plan."
While Mrs Phillips emphasised the need for an energy plan, she praised local farmers and organisations in the Shoalhaven that have developed energy efficient systems.
"In March I've spent a lot of time talking with organisations about energy...I was so proud of what I saw," she said.
"I met with Phil from Innovate Energy at farmer Tim's [Cochrane] farm. He is one of the farmers involved in Australia's first biogas waste energy plant near Nowra.
"I've spoken about our cow poo energy project before...local farmers have been pushing to do this for years, and now it's becoming a reality. I got a first-hand run-through from Phil and Tim. There's another plant on its way, at Kangaroo Valley."
Mrs Phillips also mentioned the Reclaimed Water Management System (REMS) developed by the Shoalhaven City Council and Repower Shoalhaven, a solar farm project partnered with Flow Power, stating that South Coast dairy farmers are leading the way on energy in Australia.
"I want to sincerely thank all the local organisations who are working at this every day...Now it's time for the Morrison government to step up and do the same."
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