Hopes fire up for coal future

PRIME Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s commitment that coal will be part of Australia’s future has renewed optimism that a coal- fired power station could be built in North Queensland.

Mr Turnbull said while visiting Townsville yesterday that coal would continue to help provide the country’s energy needs.

“Coal has a big role to play for a long time,” he said.

“The idea that Australia, the largest coal exporting nation in the world, the idea that we would suddenly walk away from that enormous resource is extraordinary.

“Modern, high- efficiency, low- emissions coal- fired power stations have a very big part to play in ensuring that we have affordable, reliable energy.

“Our energy policy is governed by engineering and economics, not by ideology.”

Mr Turnbull said it was also disappointing that Westpac had ruled out providing financing for Adani’s Carmichael Coal mine project.

“I think these projects should be examined on their merits,” he said.

The State Government’s focus on renewable energy had made a coal- fired power station increasingly unlikely but the Prime Minister’s confidence in coal has provided new hope.

A base- load power station would decrease electricity costs to businesses by about 30 per cent, eliminating power being lost in transmission.

The mothballed power plant at Collinsville had been suggested as the most feasible site for a new coal- fired power station in North Queensland.

Whitsunday Region divisional councillor Peter Ramage said the Prime Minister’s faith in coal provided hope that a coal- fired power station in Collinsville could become a reality.

“Yes, I think it gives people confidence that it ( coal) is still out there as an option,” he said.

“Collinsville is ideally situated with the existing grid and coal mines within a kilometre.

“I see no reason why they couldn’t refurbish the power station itself.”

Resources Minister Matt Canavan said the Government was willing to look at all energy options.

“We’re willing to look at hydro options as part of the water security plan here in Townsville,” he said.

“We also have abundant sources of coal here in North Queensland and it would seem incongruous to me that we would seek to support the opening up of the Galilee Basin and send all that coal overseas and not even consider using some of it here.”