Renewable Energy Target ‘Unrealistic’

October 14, 2016

Member for Maranoa David Littleproud has spoken out about his concern over the Queensland Government’s 50 per cent renewable energy target.

Mr Littleproud said he thought the target was unrealistic, would drive up power prices, and wind up hurting those who could least afford it.

This week, Mr Littleproud – whose electorate covers more than 42 per cent of rural Queensland – spoke in Parliament about how new solar projects in Maranoa are delivering jobs as well as helping meet the nation’s renewable energy targets.

But he warned the Queensland Government was compromising energy security and prices by setting its own targets.

“I’m critical because the likely outcome of this unrealistic target is that consumers – particularly those who can least afford it – will be hit by sky-high energy prices in Queensland and a less secure electricity supply,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Not only are bills exceedingly high for farmers and small businesses struggling to recover from drought, but also I’m also worried about the repercussions for our pensioners and families.”

Mr Littleproud said the federal government was on track to meet or exceed the Renewable Energy Target of 23.5 per cent by 2020, a target set with bipartisan support last year, but would achieve it through responsible and sustainable measures.

“The Australian Renewable Energy Agency recently announced large-scale funding for two Maranoa solar projects and are due to start construction from as early as December,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The Federal Government invested $20 million in the Darling Downs Solar Farm, to be constructed by Origin Energy, which will generate 110 megawatts of solar energy and deliver 550 new jobs in the Dalby region.

“We’ve also invested $1.3 million in the Longreach Solar Farm which will generate 15 megawatts of power and provide about 75 new jobs in Longreach, a community significantly impacted by drought.

“Further to these projects, we currently have a large-scale solar farm underway on 90 hectares in Barcaldine where the energy generated will provide power to more than 5300 homes.”

Mr Littleproud said the role of any government was to implement international obligations in a responsible and balanced way to transition the energy economy to lower emissions.

“But it must work within budgetary constraints to ensure efficient, responsible and reliable energy for all Australians.”