The Opposition claims the world-leading clean hydrogen hub proposed for the Port of Newcastle is “under threat” if Labor reneges on its promise.
After visiting the region on Monday, Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy Ted O’Brien and Nationals Senator Ross Cadell are calling on the Australian Government to honour its $100 million investment for the project in the 2022 Federal Budget.
The Hunter facility was one of seven prospective locations identified across Australia in the lead-up to the election.
“The government has discovered the importance of investing into regional centres like Newcastle and our region that are extremely professional and experts when it comes to both the generation and distribution of energy,” Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon said at the time.
And, she was supported by local colleague Shortland MP Pat Conroy.
“I welcome the investment to begin the work of establishing a hydrogen and ammonia hub at the Port of Newcastle,” he said.
But, both Mr O’Brien and Mr Cadell believe Labor has remained quiet on the “funding front” since coming into office.
“Despite this game-changing investment holding bipartisan support during the 2022 [election] campaign, the Albanese government’s failed to confirm its support for the project,” the former said.
“The Hunter region, a powerhouse of industry and energy, is perfectly positioned to become a booming hydrogen production and export hub.
“Labor makes grand gestures on clean energy.
“However, its words will prove hollow if the Hunter’s hydrogen future is ripped out from underneath local workers and industry.
“Labor doesn’t like the fact that it was the Coalition that was backing the region on this project.
“The Albanese government must stop playing politics and honour the $100 million investment.”
Mr Caldwell, a newly-minted Senator for NSW, said the funding commitment was critical to secure Hunter jobs and support the broader economy.
“The new government can’t be in partnership with the Greens in cancelling our industries of today while also deciding to cancel the Hunter’s opportunities of tomorrow,” he stated.
“During my time at the Port, local Labor MPs were supportive of both the hydrogen project and the container terminal.
“Now they are in government, that support must continue and they should be on the phone to Prime Minister [Anthony] Albanese and demand it has to stay.”
The $100 million commitment inked in the March Federal Budget was later strengthened in April by $82 million in investments in two key projects; the Origin Energy Future Fuels Hunter Valley H2 Hub Implementation Project and Port of Newcastle’s Hydrogen Hub.
“These two projects received $41 million each and would draw an additional $281 million in private investment,” Mr O’Brien said.
“So, this funding will not only make Hunter the home of hydrogen but a ‘super hydrogen hub’.
“Combined, these three projects are estimated to create more than 2,300 jobs when operational, with additional local construction positions possible through designated port upgrades.
“Clean hydrogen exports could directly support 16,000 roles by 2050, plus an additional 13,000 jobs in renewable energy infrastructure construction.”
