Labor: Qld Power Plants Will Not Close

Queensland Energy Minister Mark Bailey told Brisbane’s ABC Radio 612 this morning that Queensland power stations would not close as part of the government’s plan to have 50/50 mix of renewable energy.

A report written by climate change skeptics at the right wing think tank Australian Institute for Progress which had links to the LNP. Made claims that for Queensland to reach its target of 50/50 renewable energy a number of coal power stations would have to close.

However Australia’s Chief scientist-commissioned a report which states Renewables could reliably contribute 50% to the power grid. He also warns Australia risks missing out on the global growth industry of energy storage because of ongoing policy uncertainty.

ETU Assistant State Secretary Keith McKenzie said they were confident no power stations would close.

“This is the deeply partisan analysis of climate change skeptics from a right wing think tank created by former Liberal Party Vice President Graham Young,” Mr McKenzie said.

“This research into the Palaszczuk Government’s energy policy is completely undermined by the fact that it was conducted by a former LNP candidate in Johnathan Pavetto, who pushed for privatisation of Queensland’s energy assets.

“Clearly this is an orchestrated, partisan attack from the think tank and the LNP’s friends at the Courier Mail to attempt to undermine the Palaszczuk Government’s exemplary record on managing the state’s energy industry.”