WILL CURTIS PITT CORRECT LABOR'S COAL BLIND SPOT?

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan has called on newly appointed acting Energy Minister Curtis Pitt to reconsider Queensland Labor's short-sighted ban on coal-fired power stations.

 

"It's disappointing that Mark Bailey has repeatedly ruled out considering a coal-fired power station in the North," Minister Canavan said.

 

"But Curtis Pitt is a North Queenslander. So he should know that power prices and reliability are the top concerns for local businesses.

 

"North Queensland is at the end of the electricity market line, just like South Australia.

 

"Queensland's Labor Government runs the risk of repeating the blackouts seen in South Australia because of its lack of a plan for around-the-clock power in the North.

 

"It's not enough to rely on renewables alone. We need a mix of energy sources, including baseload such as coal and gas, to keep the lights on and help keep prices down.

 

"The Queensland Government's position doesn't wash with the people of the North. It wants to export our high quality coal, but won't consider using it here in advanced coal-fired power stations.

 

"The question is, can Curtis Pitt stand up to the inner city Labor/Greens alliance that has turned its back on North Queensland?"