Two of the Hunter's fastest growing clean-tech companies have lent their support to a national campaign calling on the federal government to accelerate climate policy and unlock a multibillion-dollar wave of new investment.
Unveiling its Climate Action Pays Off campaign, the Investor Group on Climate Change said Energy Renaissance and MCi Carbon were examples of how regional companies could reap the benefits of clean energy and net zero.
The campaign highlights how the clean-tech sector is providing jobs for local workers while building sustainable and successful businesses that are supercharging the local economy.
"Our Climate Action Pays Off campaign is about showcasing great stories of Australian innovation creating new jobs and economic opportunities," IGCC chief executive Rebecca Mikula-Wright said.
"Across this region, businesses are already investing in clean energy projects, resulting in thousands of new and stable jobs, and helping the local community thrive."
Working from Australia's first battery gigafactory at Tomago, Energy Renaissance is manufacturing batteries for commercial, industrial, transport, and defence uses.
"While helping shift Australia to a clean future is at the heart of what we do, we are also committed to supporting local communities," chief executive Brian Craighead said.
"We do this by ensuring that 90 per cent of our parts are sourced locally, bolstering local businesses all around us".
Kooragang Island-based MCi Carbon is also helping the world shift to a clean future by using waste carbon from heavy industry to create building and other materials.
"We all know Australia must do its part to lower our emissions, and it's why we are committed to transforming the steel and cement industry which accounts for 15 per cent of global emissions," MCi Carbon chief operating officer Sophia Hamblin Wang said.
"But we also recognise the enormous economic benefits, including more jobs in our regions, and new forms of employment, all while helping cut our emissions."
Ms Mikula-Wright said businesses such MCi demonstrate how the shift to a clean economy was the single biggest economic opportunity for the retirement savings of millions of Australians.
"We have the best clean energy resources in the world which will lower the cost of living and power bills, keep the lights on, and provide secure job opportunities," she said.
However, Ms Mikula-Wright pointed out that to help Australian businesses embrace a clean future, we need a clear and decisive plan going forward.
"Australia requires a strong 2035 climate target to give investors the certainty they need to keep investing in Australia and ensure our nation doesn't miss out on economic opportunities including jobs," Ms Mikula-Wright said.
"We know that the failure to plan and act on climate change is already resulting in more extreme weather events, causing costly disruptions for our farmers, economy, businesses and local communities.
"On one hand we have a remarkable opportunity to get ahead of the curve to support and future proof Australia's economy now, or otherwise risk further economic pain through a lack of investment and climate costs."
