WESTERN AUSTRALIA A RENEWABLE ENERGY ZONE

MARK BUTLER MP.
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4 years ago
WESTERN AUSTRALIA A RENEWABLE ENERGY ZONE
MARK BUTLER MP
The massive renewable energy investment potential in Western Australia will be unlocked under a Shorten Labor Government, which will make the South West a Renewable Energy Zone.
 
A Renewable Energy Zone will allow for increased investment in renewables, which will create jobs and bring power prices and pollution down.
 
After years of outright opposition to renewable energy by a state Liberal government, Western Australia is lagging behind other states, who are reaping the benefits of large-scale renewable energy.
 
Only 7.5 per cent of South West Interconnected System (SWIS) energy comes from renewables, but this is set to significantly grow as Western Australia moves to address regulatory and administrative barriers to more investment.
 
In addition the state energy company, Synergy – partnering with Cbus Super and Dutch Infrastructure Fund – plans to invest in renewables through the Bright Energy investment fund.
 
We’ve already seen an uptake in renewable energy investment, with 1,000 MW of new renewable capacity seeking connection in the South West of Western Australia.
 
The Climate Institute has estimated the South West of Western Australia has enormous potential for renewable energy development in wind, solar and bioenergy, and almost 1,500 jobs could be created with the right policies to develop the region’s renewable potential.
 
Renewable energy development needs new transmission and other infrastructure investment, to translate potential into real economic benefits.
 
That’s why designating the South West of Western Australia as a Renewable Energy Zone is so important.
 
It will mean the region will benefit from potential support from Labor’s $5 billion Energy Security and Modernisation fund. This is an integral part of Labor’s nationwide Energy Plan to deliver 50 per cent renewable energy by 2050.
 
Labor’s comprehensive Energy Plan will support the orderly transition to 50 per cent renewables by 2030, will deliver new transmission investment, and a just transition for affected communities and workers.
 
After six years, the Liberals still can’t deliver a coherent energy policy, with the Australian Energy Market Commission only this week again calling for “policy certainty integrating emissions reduction and energy policy.”
 
Only Labor has a plan to invest in renewable energy, modernise the electricity system, and bring power prices and pollution down.
 
The Liberals have nothing but a record of failure and baseless scare campaigns.
 
This election is a choice between Labor’s plan for increased investment in renewables, or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals.
 
After six years of Liberal cuts and chaos, our united Labor team is ready. 
 
Labor Party