PRESS RELEASE: HAWTHORN TOWN HALL EVENT
Held on 18th February 2025
Hosted by: Rainforest Reserves Australia

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the Hawthorn Town Hall Event on the "Real Cost of Renewables" . The turnout was remarkable, and attendees had the opportunity to engage with a range of informative speakers.

Due to time constraints, we were unable to hold a Q&A session during the event. To facilitate this, we are organizing a public Zoom meeting with the panel. We invite all attendees and members of the public to submit their questions via email to info@rainforestreserves.org.au.

The event included presentations addressing significant issues related to Australia’s renewable energy landscape. The discussions ranged from the building of 41,000 wind turbines across Australia’s landscapes to the adverse effects of industrial noise on local wildlife, particularly koalas, which are accustomed to the natural sounds of their habitat.

Steven Nowakowski provided a compelling presentation on the critical wildlife habitats along Queensland’s Seaview Ranges and the Great Dividing Range. He articulated concerns about ongoing developments that threaten these invaluable ecosystems, emphasizing the urgent need for protection, which the conservation sector is not addressing.

Carolyn Emms voiced her alarm over the destruction of critical habitats at Lotus Creek, urging the community to prioritize halting bulldozer operations before further discussions about energy take place. She encouraged attendees to support a Federal Petition aimed at halting the renewable energy rollouts along the Great Dividing Range, emphasizing that the destruction of biodiversity is not climate action. 

Carolyn also expressed Rainforest Reserves Australia's grievance regarding the government's decision to approve a major wind complex at Upper Burdekin (Gawara Baya), which would span 29,000 hectares of some of the highest biodiversity in Australia.  She referenced David Attenborough's acknowledgment of North Queensland’s biodiversity, underscoring its global significance. Additionally, she announced a public trial scheduled for the 3rd and 4th of April.  Carolyn welcomed a campaigner from The Wilderness Society attendance.  Attendees also included campaigners ACF, FOE and Teals.

Hamish Cumming shared insights into how wind turbines could negatively affect brolga populations, while Aidan Morrison delivered a sobering analysis on the lack of transparency surrounding the costs of renewable energy. He expressed serious concerns regarding the Integrated System Plan (ISP), calling for the resignation of the Hon. Matt Kean. Aidan highlighted how misunderstandings of the ISP have been weaponized in parliament, stifling constructive debate on AEMO and CSIRO's analyses.

Maintaining a civil debate centered on facts and evidence is more crucial than ever. Aidan urged for a robust repudiation of the current ISP by AEMO to prevent political exploitation of its reputation. Without this action, he fears that constructive dialogue and evidence-based discussion will become increasingly unattainable.

Thank you once again to all who participated in this vital conversation. We appreciate your commitment to advocating for the preservation of Australia’s unique biodiversity.

Watch the Livestream here: https://www.youtube.com/live/v-oTKBOix1A?si=YoQtMZCs8-yFSXJs

Media enquiries please contact info@rainforestreserves.org.au