That’s the view of Northern Tablelands Greens candidate Mercurius Goldstein, who said it would provide energy security while keeping the region free from Coal Seam Gas mining. 

“The last week has seen a whirl of environmental announcements — from the Baird government’s hokey-pokey on CSG mining and arguments over Australia’s renewable energy target, to the US-China deal to reduce their carbon emissions.

"But it would be fair for locals to ask what any of these global deals or policy squabbles in Canberra and Macquarie Street have to do with us?"

While G20 leaders met in Brisbane to argue over 20, or 25, or 30 per cent targets, the Greens target of 100 per cent renewable energy for Northern Tablelands would mean no CSG mining will ever be needed in our region, according to Mr Goldstein. This would protect farmland and help to protect the Great Artesian Basin from the risks of unconventional gas extraction.

“The solar farm now underway at Moree will be able to power every residential dwelling in Glen Innes, Inverell and Moree combined. Add another one to power Armidale, plus some extra for growth, and it's clear that our region is ready to go 100 per cent renewable.

This would also mean energy security for the region in a world of increasingly unstable and uncertain supplies.

Mr Goldstein said that the 100 per cent renewable message is proving popular around the region, with many towns signing on to begin master plans that incorporate a renewable platform. 

“Walcha, Manilla, Tenterfield, Uralla and Bingara have all embarked on planning to become energy secure, and Inverell is interested as well," said Mr Goldstein.

“Although we can't always expect wise government and long-term thinking from Canberra, here in New England we can manage our own energy destiny from a renewable platform right now,” said Mr Goldstein. "With so many opportunities for investment, jobs and growth in renewable energy, why settle for less than 100 percent?"