Riding an eBike around Australia to promote renewables in the bush

eBike rider Gregory Andrews arrived in Hay on Friday afternoon, after battling the day’s gusty conditions. Mr Andrews crossed the Hay Plains, covering the 170 kilometres from Balranald in the tough conditions, to raise awareness of the benefits of renewable energy. Image: The Riverine Grazier / Krista Schade

By Krista Schade

When I sat down with Gregory Andrews in the cool of the New Crown Hotel in Hay’s main street, it was following an incredibly blustery trek of 170 kilometres across the Hay Plains. On the day he arrived in Hay, the strong September winds and a flat tyre had delayed his arrival from Balranald by several hours, which he admitted was thirsty work.

Travelling solo, on an eBike, Mr Andrews spoke passionately about his trip around Australia and the reasons behind it.

“I started because I wanted to promote renewable energy and de-politicise it,” Mr Andrews told me.

“The fossil fuel industry and some politicians like to trick us but what is good for the weather is good for the wallet.

“Of course we have a way to go, in the bigger four-wheel drives, but in my own home, we charge our EVs (electric vehicles) from our solar system. So it’s not woke, or right-wing or left-wing, it’s just good economics.”

“I want to promote that concept in the bush. We need to shift to renewable energy for a safe future for our kids.”

Mr Andrews left Cottesloe Beach on August 8, and had covered more than 3,900 kilometres by the time he arrived in Hay on September 6. After planning to travel 100 kilometres a day and take seven weeks to finish, he has sometimes covered up to 200 kilometres and should arrive in Bondi Beach around the 14th or 15th of September.

Mr Andrews was keen to explain that renewable energy can have lasting economic benefits to individuals and will help stabilise the energy market, at a time when cost-of-living pressures are forefront in the minds of most families.

“There are benefits for energy security and independence because we aren’t going to be affected by price spikes from wars in the Middle East, because the sun shines and the wind blows – it doesn’t care what’s happening in the rest of the world,” he explained.

He has been overwhelmed with the kindness of people on the roads. Grey nomads and people in the bush have helped him along the way.

“I was in the outback, and there was a couple trying out their new-to-them small caravan, and they said ‘would you like to use our power?’ Then they offered me a bacon and egg sandwich and a coffee, so I have really enjoyed connecting with people.”

A flat tyre just en route to Hay delayed Gregory Andrews arrival in town. Mr Andrews described the districts roads as "the worst by far' after travelling more than 3,900 km. Image: Lyrebird Dreaming.

When he left Hay the next morning, Mr Andrews chose the back roads to Narrandera, rather than taking the most direct route along the highway, preferring a more circular yet connected journey.

Mr Andrews is a passionate advocate for the environment. He was Australia’s very first threatened species commissioner when he led the development of this country’s first threatened species strategy. He visited the Hay region frequently as part of his work around the protection of the tiny Plains-Wanderer bird, the protection of which has become synonymous with the region.

Mr Andrews also worked as an ambassador to West Africa and represented Australia at the United Nations climate change negotiations from 2010 to 2013 as the deputy chief negotiator.

Mr Andrews’ unique action on climate change is well-known. In 2023 he underwent a hunger strike for climate action out the front of Parliament House.

You can follow Gregory’s journey by visiting his website www.lyrebirddreaming.com, and checking out his socials.

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