Energy and Water changes cut red tape

The passing of legislation in Queensland Parliament today has reaffirmed the Newman Government’s commitment to reducing red tape and enabling local communities to manage their own futures. 

Minister for Energy and Water Supply Mark McArdle said the passing of the Energy and Water Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 finalised the closure of two no longer relevant energy programs.

The changes also now enable residents of the new Noosa Council to continue to receive water services from Unitywater.

“The closures include the Queensland Gas Scheme and the Smart Energy Savings Program,” Mr McArdle said. 

“These schemes have largely achieved what they set out to do and are no longer required. 

“The Smart Energy Savings Program, which required businesses using a certain amount of electricity to report their energy use to government, was a perfect example of unnecessary red tape.

“Queensland businesses should identify energy savings to boost their bottom lines and not be forced to report these savings to government.”

Mr McArdle said amendments to the South East Queensland Water (Distribution and Retail Restructuring) Act 2009 would ensure the new Noosa Council would continue to be serviced by water retailer Unitywater from 1 January 2014.

“The Queensland Government has fulfilled the desires of Noosa residents to re-establish their identity as an individual council area.

“The changes passed in Parliament today were a simple amendment that ensures Noosa Council will become a joint-owner of Unitywater, which will enable the water business to service the area.

“This was an important step to allow Noosa residents to continue to receive high quality water and sewerage services without any disruption ahead of their new beginning next year.”

Further information about the management of Queensland energy and water sectors is available at www.dews.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 11 September 2013
Media Contact: Natalie Wynne 38 963 690/ 0437 334 183

Background info: Amendments were been made to the Electricity Act 1994 and the South East Queensland Water (Distribution and Retail Restructuring) Act 2009, while the Clean Energy Act 2008 has been repealed.