2016-09-08
Greens Deputy Leader and Queensland Senator Larissa Waters today said the 1,172 Queensland jobs funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency via grants to large-scale solar projects show that Labor and LNP must abandon the planned $1 billion cut to the agency.
"Today's funding announcement from ARENA shows that cutting clean energy grants would be irresponsible and stupid.
"This money will mean 1,172 direct jobs will be created in regional Queensland, many in areas affected by the decline of the coal and gas industry."
"Queensland is the biggest winner from clean energy grants, with these five projects totalling over $680 million of investment.
"ARENA has announced $100 million for large-scale solar projects across the country and the largest portion, $56.9 million, is for Queensland.
"The LNP are planning to axe clean energy grants completely, and Labor are refusing to commit to protecting $1 billion in funding for ARENA."
"We need a plan for sustainable jobs after coal, but both LNP and Labor MPs seem set to betray their electorates by voting for these reckless cuts.
"They would be betraying ordinary Australians in Dalby, Collinsville, Oakey, Longreach and many others.
"This is just a taste of what Queensland could achieve. If all the Queensland projects on ARENA's shortlist were funded, 2,600 direct jobs could be created," Senator Waters said.
The Labor Shadow Cabinet may meet today to consider ARENA's future and the $1 billion cut contained in the Omnibus Bill currently before the Parliament.
Contact: Asia Munro 0419 626 725
Analysis of direct jobs by project: https://www.acf.org.au/arena_cuts_threaten_thousands_of_regional_jobs
Projects receiving ARENA funding announced today: http://arena.gov.au/media/historic-day-australian-solar-12-new-plants-get-support/