Queensland energy leaders plan national focus

Published Tuesday, 01 March, 2016 at 06:01 PM

Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Leaders from Queensland’s energy sector have met today to discuss the State’s approach to national energy reforms ahead of the Council of Australian Government (COAG) Energy Council meeting in July.

Minister for Energy and Biofuels Mark Bailey addressed representatives from energy retailers, generators, consumer advocates, industry bodies and renewable energy proponents at the Queensland Energy Industry Stakeholder Forum in Brisbane.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to broad consultation and today’s forum is another opportunity to hear the best ideas and advice directly from industry and consumer representatives,” Mr Bailey said.

“As consumers ask for more sustainable energy systems, including renewable energy, Queenslanders have made our State a world leader in the uptake of solar PV.

“The COAG Energy Council needs to ensure policy responses match the speed of this change and we’re committed to engaging closely with Queensland’s energy industry to ensure we accurately reflect our position at the upcoming meeting in Darwin.”

Mr Bailey said that in 2016 the Energy Council would focus on energy customers, battery integration and market transformation.

“The Energy Council must have a renewed focus on ensuring customers have access to affordable and sustainable energy supply arrangements and continues to protect and support more vulnerable customers,” he said.

“Events such as today’s Energy Industry Stakeholder Forum play a crucial role in ensuring the Palaszczuk Government’s policy settings meet the needs of customers and are sustainable for the long-term.” 

ENDS

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