Wilson: Action on climate change

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson told State Parliament today that the Garnaut interim report spells out the need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“It rightly points out that as a nation we cannot keep doing what we’re doing without substantial cost to the environment, our economy and living standards,” Mr Wilson said.

The Minister said the interim report had led to speculation about the long-term price of electricity.

“We won’t add to that speculation. Along with the Federal Government and other State Governments, we’ll consider the final report, consult with key stakeholders and carefully consider the options,” he said.

“One option is undeniably clear: the long term future for Australia and the world doesn’t include business as usual. We cannot keep doing what we were doing,” he said.

“A price on carbon, through a national emissions trading scheme, is necessary to achieve structural change. But the price can be managed by setting targets that reflect short and long-term emission reduction opportunities.

“In Queensland, we can all be part of the solution.

“If we sat on our hands and did nothing, the Queensland electricity sector would be emitting more than 63 million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year by 2020.

“Under our energy initiatives, we expect to reduce that to around 51 million tonnes by 2020.

“We’ve launched a $50 million Smart Energy Savings Fund to encourage businesses to invest in energy-saving measures.

“Our new $50 million Renewable Energy Fund will help fuel the 21^st Century with clever solutions to combat climate change.

“We have Australia’s only working geothermal power station at Birdsville – there are hot rocks in abundance in the west.

“We’re developing the state’s first solar farm at Windorah, and in another first, we’re investing in a new solar thermal power station for Cloncurry.

“Some projects are big, some are small, but most are cutting edge and all are designed to save tens of thousands of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

“For instance, solar panels on people’s homes often produce more power than the home needs.

“A feed-in tariff will pay consumers for the energy they send to the national grid from their solar panel system.

“We’re putting our money on the table, rolling up our sleeves and getting on with the job of addressing this very real threat to our environment,” Mr Wilson said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819