The Palaszczuk government has unveiled a proposal to kickstart a wave of energy projects that would propel the North Queensland economy and create 5000 jobs.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today launched the Powering North Queensland plan in Townsville alongside Energy Minister Mark Bailey, Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke, Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper, and Member for Townsville Scott Stewart.
The Premier stated that the State Budget, which will be tabled on June 13, will invest $386 million in the Powering North Queensland programme.
“Our proposal will not only bring investment and employment to North Queensland, but it will also assist to ensure energy supply and reduce consumer energy bills,” she said.
“Under the proposal, we would deploy a transmission line for renewable energy projects across the area and contribute funds to the projected Burdekin Falls Dam hydro-electric power facility.”
“The State Budget commitment of $386 million is a down payment on future energy security and 5000 employment for North Queensland.”
The following actions are part of the Powering North Queensland plan:
$150 million in Powerlink dividend reinvestment for the development of strategic transmission infrastructure to support a clean energy hub, with up to 1000 jobs created for Powerlink infrastructure construction, in addition to the approximately 3600 jobs created in the development of the three proposed renewable energy projects along the transmission line;
Reinvestment of $100 million in Stanwell dividends to help build the projected hydro-electric power facility at Burdekin Falls Dam. Subject to feasibility studies and other dam construction works, project construction is expected to begin in 2020 and support up to 200 jobs; a $100 million equity injection and dividend reinvestment to ensure that the Burdekin Falls Dam continues to meet design standards, which is expected to support around 250 jobs and will support the proposed hydro-electric power station; and commissioning a hydro-electric study to ascertain the feasibility of the proposed hydro-electric power station.
The Premier stated that the Government was reinvesting the SunWater payout as well as a portion of the Powerlink and Stanwell dividends on behalf of Queenslanders.
Curtis Pitt, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, stated that the 2017-18 Budget measures demonstrated the government’s continuous commitment to investing in rural areas, renewable energy, and job creation.
“We’re ensuring that our government-owned enterprises provide new energy infrastructure and energy security to promote new investments in energy projects and new employment in regional Queensland,” Mr Pitt said.
“With this huge pipeline of clean energy projects, the area is also positioning itself to become a centre for the renewable manufacturing and services industry.”
“This proposal will provide energy and employment to North Queensland’s towns and businesses in the future, as well as aid to further stabilise electricity rates.”
“These far-reaching measures demonstrate how, via our economic strategy, we are moulding the future of our state and generating employment, beginning with the first two State Budgets I gave and continuing into the 2017-18 Budget on June 13.”
Ms Palaszczuk stated that the state’s north has a strong pipeline of committed and planned energy projects that would boost northern generation.
“North Queensland has experienced an unprecedented amount of renewable energy investment activity since January 2016, with over 830 megawatts of large-scale projects either starting construction or finalising commercial deals,” the Premier said.
“It is expected that these initiatives will result in $1.6 billion in infrastructure spending and the creation of over 1400 jobs.”
A new transmission line, according to the Premier, may help release about 2000 megawatts of wind, pumped hydro, and solar projects in North Queensland, creating 3600 jobs.
“The clean energy hub would connect Infigen’s 75MW wind farm at Forsayth, Genex’s 520MW Kidston Hydro and Solar project, and the Kennedy Energy Park, a combination of wind and solar power with a capacity of 1200MW at Hughenden, or other projects in the vicinity.”
Minister Bailey stated that the Plan will also look at possible hydro sites in North Queensland and across the state that may be developed to offer baseload renewable electricity.
“With this enormous pipeline of clean energy projects, the North will be able to become a centre for the renewable manufacturing and services industry,” he added.
“This initiative will provide future energy and jobs to North Queensland’s towns and industry.”
The Powering North Queensland Plan, according to Minister O’Rourke, builds on the Palaszczuk Government’s continuing efforts to stabilise power rates in northern Queensland.
“We know that many in the North are concerned about rising electricity prices. “Investing in local, North Queensland infrastructure is critical to pricing stability,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“Excitingly, the transmission line will enable an Energy Hub, which will create energy for North Queensland companies and households.”
“Our long-term energy plan for the North will create employment in our communities.”
Minister Bailey stated that Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbull’s lack of federal leadership on climate and energy policy has generated uncertainty for business, undermining investment and preventing additional supply from coming online.
“The Palaszczuk Government is acting, and we have launched a renewable energy boom,” he stated.
“We can assist put lower pressure on costs with extra generating competition and supply, which is wonderful news for all Queenslanders.”
Visit www.dews.qld.gov.au for additional information.
