Car parks across the Lower Hunter could be fitted with solar panels to create jobs and reduce energy costs, Greens state candidate for Maitland John Brown says.
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Mr Brown has identified open car parks at Maitland, Rutherford, Tenambit and Green Hills as possible locations to install solar panels.
He said installing the panels would create jobs in construction, reduce the cost of power for businesses and provide under-cover parking spaces.
Mr Brown said several major shopping centres in Sydney had installed solar panels in their car parks.
“It’s a win-win-win situation,” he said.
“This is the challenge of our times. To create more jobs in the renewable energy sector and reduce power costs.
“With a severe downturn in the coalmining sector on the horizon, now is the time to crank up our long-suffering manufacturing sector – create jobs here instead of sending them overseas.
“We have the expertise, all we need is government support, co-operation and encouragement.”
Mr Brown said, if elected in March, he would begin negotiations to provide government support for privately owned car parks to install solar panels.
Depending on the negotiations, he said, the panels could be linked into electricity grids to supply power to the community.
“We in the Hunter Valley have much more sunshine than Europe and the benefits are many,” he said.
“This could kick-start a new era in jobs for the Hunter.”
