Rally for Renewables draws hundreds outside Abbott's office in Manly, NSW

On Friday 26 September around 250 renewable energy supporters gathered outside the office of Prime Minister Tony Abbott in Manly, NSW to participate in the Rally for Renewables.

The purpose of the rally, which took place contemporaneously with a number of others across the country, was to send a message to politicians–particularly federal MPs in marginally held seats–that no changes should be made to Australia’s 20% Renewable Energy Target.

Over 2,000 people attended rallies nationally, according to Rally for Renewables. Attendees were a mix of solar industry workers, climate change activists and ordinary citizens. “Today’s turnout around our nation shows how important the Target is to ordinary Australians,” said Solar Citizens campaign manager Claire O’Rourke.

Solar Citizens worked alongside the Clean Energy Council, Australian Solar Council, Solar Energy Industry Association and Australian Wind Energy Alliance to organise the protests, marking the first time these organisations have come together in a coordinated effort.

Ms O’Rourke was present at the Manly rally, along with Clean Energy Council head Kane Thornton, Nigel Morris of Solar Business Services, and Brian England of the Solar Energy Industry Association. Team members of Solar Choice, whose head office is in Manly, also attended.