2016-09-13
Renewable energy projects in Western Australia will cease to exist without continued funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), which is set to have a $500million cut under a sneaky deal struck between Liberal and Labor today.
Greens co-deputy leader, Senator for WA Scott Ludlam said the Australian Greens will introduce an amendment to protect the entire $1.3billion of ARENA funding so WA can continue to support emerging new technologies such as the successful Carnegie Wave Project.
"ARENA funding has delivered $72million worth of projects in WA, mostly in regional areas, creating jobs and boosting the local economies," said Mr Ludlam.
"Just last week, WA won a $5.5m ARENA grant towards a $47million solar farm at Emu Downs, which is expected to produce 20MW of clean energy and provide jobs to the area around Cervantes.
"When these projects get built, people need to stay in the local hotels, eat at the local restaurants and they provide job opportunities in these regional and remote areas. It's a no brainer that shows Labor, the Liberals and the Nationals don't care about regional communities.
"WA has been at the forefront of emerging renewable energy projects such as wave technology and battery storage, which would not have been possible without ARENA funding.
"It's clear both Labor and the Liberal/National parties do not prioritise renewable energy technologies and the jobs and money these projects deliver to our communities. Only the Greens are standing up for renewable energy in WA.
"It's now up to Mark McGowan to get on the phone to Bill Shorten and tell him to protect WA jobs and strike a better deal for renewable energy projects in WA."