He was joined by Wollongong’s Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Tania Brown, who has been an advocate for the Shuttle.

The petition on Mr Scully’s website at www.paulscullymp.com.au/petitions/gong-shuttle-hydrogen-bus-trial/ calls on the Minister for Transport and Roads and Minister for Energy and Environment to conduct the trial in Wollongong which has demonstrated “enthusiastic support for the development of a green hydrogen industry and Hydrogen Hub in the Illawarra.”

The petition notes the encouragement of the NSW Hydrogen Strategy released on Tuesday to “get involved” and seek funding for different hydrogen initiatives.

Mr Scully has been charting the hydrogen course for the region and played a key role in identifying Wollongong’s potential as a Hydrogen Hub in negotiations with the Treasurer and Minister for Energy and Environment, Matt Kean.

“The NSW Government could switch on a hydrogen bus trial in the Illawarra almost immediately by using the free Gong Shuttle fleet.

“I want to clearly demonstrate to the NSW Government that the Wollongong community is ready, willing and able to get involved in delivering the NSW Hydrogen Strategy”, Mr Scully said.

“There are buses made in NSW that are ready to be used in a hydrogen trial.  If the NSW Government is serious about using hydrogen to future proof the Illawarra, then there is no better place to start.

“We don’t need glossy brochures and buzzwords for this hydrogen journey, we have the free Gong Shuttle fleet to trial and test the feasibility of decarbonising transport and its ready to be pressed into service”, he said.

Councillor Tania Brown said, “I totally support the launch of this petition to use the free Gong Shuttle, which Wollongong City Council helps to fund, in a hydrogen bus trial so Wollongong can deliver and meet its emission reduction targets.

“This is a great initiative.  Our community is ready for it so people should show their support to the NSW Government by signing the petition”, she said.