Labor lacks energy to deliver for North Queensland

3 Feb 2017 11:44 AMMichael Hart

Labor lacks energy to deliver for North Queensland

Friday, 3 February 2017

• Opposition welcomes Federal Government’s coal-fired power station move in Townsville
• LNP understands coal fired power stations and water are essential for jobs, investment and industry in North Queensland
• Labor has no plan for Townsville’s energy or water security after scrapping the LNP plans

Shadow Energy Minister Michael Hart says the Opposition strongly welcomes the Federal Government’s move to develop a new coal-fired power station in North Queensland, particularly the Townsville region.

Mr Hart said the LNP understands that cheap baseload electricity from coal-fired power stations and water are essential to boost jobs, investment and industry in North Queensland.

“Annastacia Palaszczuk’s extreme 50% renewable energy target is stifling private sector investment in more coal-fired power stations in Queensland,” Mr Hart said.

“Unfortunately Labor’s decision to merge the government-owned generators has reduced competition in the electricity market, increased prices for households and discouraged private sector investment.

“The LNP will fast track any regulatory approvals for any private sector investor wanting to construct a new coal-fired station in Townsville.

“Labor has no plan for Townsville’s energy or water security after scrapping the LNP’s 30 year plans.

“Townsville is hurting after losing over 12,000 jobs since Annastacia Palaszczuk was elected. 

“If Annastacia Palaszczuk wants to reduce Townsville’s 11 per cent unemployment rate she should support a coal-fired power station in Townsville.”

Media Contact: Nicholas Adermann 0407 808 016