Strong leadership key to renewables
MACHINERY engineer Shayne Ritchings has lived in Mackay since 2003 and has been involved in the coal mining industry for almost 30 years,
Mr Ritchings believed the future was bright for the region but said strong leadership would be required for any transition towards renewable energy. “I think it is essential that Australia stays in step with the global community … and we should be working on transitioning our electricity generation to be renewable focused,” Mr Ritchings said. “I would love to see some leadership from our state and federal governments towards establishing the industries of the future in our regions sooner rather than later. The Mackay community, including the Ritchings family, is reliant on the coal mining industry and (we) do not expect that to change anytime soon.” Mr Ritchings said resource employers in the Bowen Basin would continue to be significant players long after energy policy shifted towards alternative sources.