Qld Labor’s energy plan generating more questions than electricity for Regional QLD

Labor’s recent announcement of their $62 billion energy plan is full of holes and generates more questions than electricity?

The energy plan includes what is being touted as the world’s largest pumped hydro scheme in the Federal Dawson and Capricornia electorates, but Labor has not included Federal Members Andrew Willcox nor Michelle Landry in any discussion or consultation.

They are also expecting “contributions from the federal government”.

“To come out and make an announcement with zero consultation with the local Federal MPs and then immediately call for federal funding, makes me wonder if this is a serious announcement or is it just for show?” Mr Willcox said.

It also begs the question, what about Urannah Dam? which Michelle Landry has lobbied for tirelessly.

“The Coalition confirmed an investment to the tune of $483m back in March 2022 towards the Urannah Dam project and I have personally lobbied for federal funding to go towards the Urannah Dam Project, a hydro-electric scheme located in the Broken River Valley since 2013.” Ms Landry said.

Several of the statements the Premier has made leaves us all with many unanswered questions.

“The Premier has guaranteed jobs for workers at coal fired power stations but there is no mention of guarantees for coal miners”

“So where does that leave job security for mine workers, their families and every small business owner in our coal mining towns.”

“Dawson has ports and a huge METS sector that supports the coal industry. Coal is in record demand with record pricing. This plan is ill conceived and will decimate the Central Queensland economy.” Andrew Willcox said

“I also note, that based on the government’s own published figures and the current coal price, the end of thermal coal use in Queensland will reduce royalties by just over $3 Billion” Michelle Landry said

Given the increase in coal royalties was supposed to solely benefit regional Queensland, where are our guarantees and how is the Queensland Labor Government going to keep their commitments to regional Queensland.