MENKENS MUST COME CLEAN: DOES SHE WANT NUCLEAR OR CLEAN COAL POWER FOR COLLINSVILLE

Member for Burdekin Rosemary Menkens must come clean on whether she supports a nuclear power station at Collinsville or one using clean coal technology, Minister Representing the Premier in North Queensland Craig Wallace said today.

Mr Wallace who is pushing for Queensland’s first clean coal base load power station to be located in the North, possibly Collinsville, said that Mrs Menkens had to categorically state her position on the issue.

North Queensland would be a world leader in this new technology if the clean coal power station was built in the region.

“We know that Collinsville is a possible site for a nuclear power station under the Howard Government due to its proximity to water and the electricity grid,” Mr Wallace said.

“As the local State Member of Parliament it is up to Mrs Menkens to either support John Howard and his nuclear option or Peter Beattie’s push for clean coal,” he said.

“I for one would hate to see Collinsville go nuclear,” Mr Wallace said.

“Collinsville has some valuable supplies of coal which provide good jobs for locals. I am surprised Mrs Menkens does not share my enthusiasm to see a clean coal power station go ahead.

“Having a clean coal power station at Collinsville would make the North a world leader in this new clean technology and the world would come to see how it works.”

Mr Wallace said he was shocked in the Queensland Parliament this morning when Mrs Menkens questioned the viability of the clean coal option in Collinsville.

“You’d think she’d be standing up for her electorate not attacking this proposal.

“I am not holding my breath waiting for Mrs Menkens support. People who have agreed to join me to lobby for a clean coal power station for the North are:

·Bowen Mayor Mike Brunker,

·Townsville Mayor Tony Mooney and

·TEL Chair Geoff Plante

“We’ll be working hard to get a good result – let’s hope the Member for Burdekin dumps the nuclear option and follows suit.”

Media inquiries: Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, on 0407 131 654.