A new initiative by the Coalition for Community Energy is calling on the Federal Government to fund the establishment of renewable energy sources in communities around the country.

Fund Community Energy has been launched to try to put renewable power sources in the hands of local communities. The group responsible have arranged meetings with politicians from major parties throughout this month.

"Community-owned renewable energy projects cut carbon pollution and bring new life to regional and rural Australia. Most importantly, they pave the path for an Australia powered by renewable energy that’s owned by everyday people, not big energy companies with vested interests in fossil fuels," says the official site. So far just two such projects exist, with over 60 communities reportedly interested in setting something up.

The initiative may already have had a positive result, with the NSW Government announcing $411,000 in grants for nine new community renewable projects. Fund Community Energy has established a petition, aiming to collect at least 5,000 signatures.