Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is concerned that the government-backed renewables plan that is being rolled-out across Australia will have damaging consequences in Dawson, continuing to drive up the cost-of-living for the community.
Mr Willcox stated that Energy Minister Chris Bowen has implemented a panicked market intervention to achieve 82 per cent renewables by 2030 target by expanding the Capacity Investment Scheme. He believes this will come at great cost to taxpayers in Dawson, destroying agricultural land, driving up food prices and tearing down our food security.
“Labor has to rip up farming land to achieve their irresponsible target but when supply goes down, prices go up. Hurting our food production capability by removing agricultural land means families in Dawson will pay even more for their food,” Mr Willcox said.
“Labor must tell taxpayers, communities and struggling families in Dawson, how many hectares of productive agricultural land and native vegetation, the very thing renewables were apparently meant to protect, will be impacted by its reckless race?
“Questions have to be asked, where is the Greens on protecting the environment on this and the Australian Conservation Foundation, who have been intimidating farmers that legally manage vegetation on their farms?” Mr Willcox stated.
“I fear federal Labor and the now all Labor states will abandon proper environmental approvals because Chris Bowen doesn’t want to miss their target.
“Labor must guarantee tough approvals processes and that there won’t be shortcuts for these projects.
“On top of wind turbines and solar panels, 28,000 kilometres of transmission lines at a minimum cost of $80 billion will also tear through regional communities.
“The Nationals believe this demonstrates why we should also have the conversation about nuclear and let the market decide about energy options, rather than taxpayers having to do all the heavy lifting.
“Labor has the wrong priorities for our nation. If you overburden farmers and reduce productive farmland, then you directly increase the price of fresh food at the checkout for families in Dawson,” he said.
Since Labor has been in office, food has increased by 8.2 per cent, gas by 28 per cent and electricity by 18 per cent.
Opinion piece.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2023 Burdekin Life Pty Ltd.
