Turnbull Government needs to plan for renewable energy future
Published Thursday, 06 October, 2016 at 06:00 AM
Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey
Queensland Energy Minister Mark Bailey has called on the Turnbull Government, ahead of tomorrow's COAG meeting, to set a Renewable Energy Target (RET) that increases beyond 2020.
Minister Bailey also said it was disappointing that some politicians including the Prime Minister and the Federal Energy Minister sought to use the events in South Australia to instil fear around energy security for political purposes.
“The interim AEMO report confirmed the situation was triggered by a severe weather event which saw the destruction of 22 huge transmission towers,” Mr Bailey said.
“But the real storm happened when some politicians pushed the panic button to generate an energy crisis across the country when the issue was in South Australia.
“Queensland has a very secure and reliable power system and we are committed to transitioning to a low carbon future without compromising that security, and without compromising affordability.”
Mr Bailey said it was incredible that the Federal Government used the SA disaster to lambast the States for their renewable energy targets when they have no renewable energy policy past the next three years.
“There’s been an absence of policy at the Federal level so that’s why the States, including Queensland, had to step up and take the initiative,” he said.
“When the current Federal Government finally landed on a RET, it reduced its target which has set Australia apart from most countries who are increasing their ambitions on renewables and emissions reductions.
“While the Turnbull Government and the LNP continue to undermine renewable energy, the States will keep doing the heavy lifting to address climate change through emission reducing renewable energy.”
Mr Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government is committed to maintaining system security and reliability as we plan to transition to 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030.
“We know that achieving this target will be a complex and challenging task which requires careful planning,” he said.
“That is why the Palaszczuk Government engaged an independent Renewable Energy Expert Panel earlier this year, tasked with ensuring our transition is sustainable and cost effective.
“The RET panel draft report is due out for public consultation in coming weeks.”
Background:
Announcement of the RET panel – January, 2016
ENDS
Media contact: Zoe Russell – 0428 079 640