Queensland keen to capitalise on a solar future

Minister for Energy and Water Supply Mark Bailey said Queensland is open for business and keen to capitalise on the state’s world class solar resources.

For three years, the previous Newman government didn’t just ignore the solar sector, they also ridiculed it.

But under the Palaszczuk Government, Queensland’s sun-powered energy has a bright future once again.

Mr Bailey told the Australian Solar Council in Melbourne this week the government had a vision to see projects of the future become a reality – like the Mount Emerald Wind Farm and Solar Choice’s Darling Downs solar farm.

“Getting these projects built is crucial to Labor’s vision of a 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030,” Mr Bailey said.

The government wants to see one million Queensland rooftops fitted with solar panels by 2020, as part of our Solar Future program.

We are committed to opening up the energy supply market to encourage homes and businesses to take up solar power purchase agreements, where they can be sold power at a cheaper price than the grid.

Mr Bailey also called on the Abbott government to stop wrecking the solar energy industry’s future in Australia.

Investment in renewal technology has plummeted by 90 per cent during the past year – in a nation known for its abundant sunshine.

But this can be rectified to encourage investors to embark on large-scale projects.

“We want certainty from the Federal Government about the Renewable Energy Target,” Mr Bailey said.

Media contact: Minister Bailey’s office, 3719 7321