Budget delivers energy and water for regional Queensland

The Palaszczuk Government’s 2016 Budget delivers electricity price relief for regional Queenslanders and invests in new energy.

Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply Mark Bailey said this year’s State Budget delivers $655 million in subsidies and support across the energy and water supply portfolio, further securing reliable and cost-effective delivery of these vital services for Queenslanders.

“Communities, particularly those in regional Queensland have been a major focus of the Palaszczuk Government’s 2016 State budget,” Mr Bailey said.

Rural and regional consumers 

“We’ve committed $561.2 million to subsidise regional Queensland electricity prices, to ensure that customers across regional Queensland pay a similar amount for their electricity to those in South East Queensland.

“These subsidies are important to households in regional Queensland because the Palaszczuk Government knows the importance of ensuring a family in areas including Townsville, Cairns and Mount Isa and in other rural and regional communities pay a similar amount for their electricity than a household in Brisbane.”

Mr Bailey said the Government was also committed to supporting the state’s farmers.

“Building our regional communities and growing our agriculture sector is vitally important to Queensland’s economy and job creation,” he said.

“That’s why the Budget includes $4.1 million to support Queensland farmers battling drought conditions by providing relief from fixed charges for electricity accounts that are used to pump water for farm or irrigation purposes.

“This funding is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $41.9 million drought assistance package.”

Renewable energy

Mr Bailey said the Budget included investment in renewable energy to prepare Queensland for the changing energy landscape.

Ergon Energy is spending $8.2 million for their Battery Storage Network Development initiative to prepare for Queensland’s renewable energy future.

“This will see the installation of Ergon’s ground-breaking Grid Utility Support Systems (GUSS) across regional Queensland’s electricity network.

“These systems charge during low-demand periods and then assist with the provision of reliable electricity supply during high demand periods.

“The GUSS technology is another step towards easing pressure on our electricity grids, and improving our use of renewable energy in Queensland.

“The Palaszczuk Government is serious about its commitment to job creation and economic growth and this Budget helps supply a reliable and cost-effective energy and water supply to support our communities and our industries.”

ENDS

Media Contacts:     Anna Jabour            0429 890 942