Labor will establish South East Queensland community power hub

PRESS RELEASE

People living in South East Queensland will benefit from cleaner and cheaper renewable energy that will help cut pollution and the cost of power bills, with Labor’s plan to establish a Community Power Hub in the region.

This election is a choice between a Shorten Labor Government with a plan for cleaner, cheaper energy, or more cuts and chaos from the LNP.

This is part of Labor’s $100 million Neighbourhood Renewables Program announced in November last year.

The program is aimed at helping community groups, renters and social housing residents benefit from cheaper and cleaner renewable energy, by providing grants and other support to local community renewables projects such as solar gardens, community wind farms, energy efficiency upgrades for social housing, and community groups keen to trial new innovative projects.

Labor will work with local communities, local councils and renewable energy groups to determine the best location for the Hub, but the benefits will be felt across South East Queensland.

Australia is in an energy crisis under the Liberals. Electricity prices have increased by 20 per cent since the last election.

The chaotic Liberal and Nationals have had 13 energy policies since 2013; their current proposal is to spend billions of taxpayers’ dollars on new coal-fired power stations, with no policy to support renewable energy investment after Labor’s Renewable Energy Target ends in 2020. The Liberals simply aren’t up to ending their energy crisis or leading the country in the right direction.

Australians love renewable energy because they know it saves them money and it’s good for the environment. Household solar installation has sky-rocketed from 7,000 homes in 2007 to over two million homes today.

Shadow Climate Change and Energy Minister Mark Butler said, “Queensland has some of the best solar radiation in the world. Labor wants to make sure that Australia embraces a renewable future, and maximise the jobs, industry and environmental benefits of renewable energy to all.”

“The South East Queensland power hub is crucial because it will support the development, coordination and financing of local projects to increase the uptake of renewables.”

Member for Griffith, Terri Butler said, “Groups like Energetic Communities and local businesses are craving more investment in local renewables and a real partnership with a government that is pro-renewables. This is a true Labor value, ensuring the benefits of renewables can be shared by all, regardless of where you live.”

Candidate for Brisbane, Paul Newbury said, “The Brisbane community loves renewable energy. It’s good for power bills and cutting pollution.

“We just need a Labor Government in Canberra to deliver on Australia’s renewable energy future.”