Exclusive: Colin
Boyce’s Facebook advertisement prompts concerns in party as it tries to
boost credentials on clean energy in lead-up to state election
Last modified on Tue 8 Sep 2020 06.25 AEST
A Queensland Liberal National MP paid for a pre-election Facebook advertisement calling renewable energy a “fantasy” and promoting the findings of a report commissioned by One Nation.
The advertisement – paid for by Callide MP Colin Boyce – has prompted concern within LNP ranks that the party’s outspoken climate sceptics could undermine attempts to boost its renewable energy credentials and regain an electoral foothold in Brisbane.
It comes as new analysis by Solar Citizens estimates 12,300 construction jobs would be delayed if the LNP ditches the state’s renewable energy target of 50% by 2030.
The complex political environment in Queensland, where the key seats expected to define the October state election include pro-coal regional areas and progressive parts of Brisbane, presents a policy challenge for both Labor and the LNP.
Both major parties have largely spelled out visions that are pro-renewables, pro-coal and pro-gas, while suggesting that any inherent conflicts in those positions should be dealt with in the longer term.
The Palaszczuk government has a 50% renewable generation target, but is not on track to achieve it.
Labor has made significant pro-renewables announcements – including three designated corridors to encourage investment and a $500m renewable energy fund, announced yesterday, to increase public ownership of renewable projects as part of the state’s economic recovery.
The LNP has also said it would mandate that government-owned energy companies invest in renewable power generation and fast-track approvals for major projects, including renewables.
Boyce, representing constituents in central Queensland, crossed the floor last month to vote against new laws for mine rehabilitation.
“The fantasy of renewables is holding us back,” Boyce said in the advertised post on Facebook.
The advertisement links to an article citing economist Alan Moran and his report on the “true” cost of renewable, commissioned by One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts.
Moran, formerly of the rightwing Institute of Public Affairs, is now associated with the US-based Heartland Institute, a thinktank that receives millions of dollars from the fossil fuel industry. His claims that renewable energy costs consumers have been repeatedly debunked by experts.
“It’s based on a pretty flawed understanding of how the renewable energy target system works,” energy analyst Dylan McConnell, from the University of Melbourne, said.
The Queensland opposition did not address Boyce’s claims about renewables when contacted by the Guardian.
But the shadow energy minister, Michael Hart, said the party had “a real policy to support renewable energy as part of our economic plan for Queensland”.
“Over two years ago we released our economic plan announcing an LNP government will mandate that government-owned corporations can invest in renewable energy to compete with the private sector and grow these businesses to secure more jobs,” Hart said.
“The LNP’s new Bradfield scheme includes 2,000 megawatts of hydroelectricity, enough to power 800,000 homes. It is the single largest renewable energy project in Queensland that will create thousands of new jobs.
“To support renewable energy investment, the LNP will fast-track approvals for major projects, including renewable energy projects to reduce power bills and create more green jobs.”
Hart also said the LNP would consider opportunities like battery storage and microgrids.
However, the LNP’s position remains that it would scrap the renewable energy target, which it says in campaign material would put “Queensland’s energy future at risk”.
Solar Citizens, a lobby of household solar owners and renewable supporters, has compiled a new report – based on modelling from the Australian Energy Market Operator – that shows the impact of ditching the 50%-by-2030 renewable target.
The report says that without the target, Queensland would build 1,950MW less wind generation and 2,950MW less large-scale solar by 2030.
Those projects not completed would account for about 12,300 construction jobs and 750 ongoing jobs.
“If
the Queensland LNP follow through with their plans to ditch the
renewable energy target, it will be a win for big, polluting energy
companies and a loss for regional employment,” said Stephanie Gray, a
Queensland campaigner for Solar Citizens.
“Renewables are the
energy trifecta for Queenslanders: they lower power bills, drive down
pollution and create local employment in the regions.
“Cheap, clean energy could be Queensland’s competitive advantage and attract new job-rich manufacturing industries to our shores.
“The Queensland LNP should be supporting more local clean-energy jobs and innovation, not pandering to big fossil fuel companies.”
No comments:
Post a Comment