Coal- fired station can deliver affordable power

I WAS pleased when Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced that coal will be part of Australia’s future, reinforcing my commitment to have a coalfired power station built in North Queensland.

Resources Minister Matt Canavan also confirmed that the Federal Government would be willing to look at all energy options, indicating that it would be absurd to send all the coal to come from the Galilee Basin overseas and not consider using it here at home.

I have always been a supporter of modern, high- efficiency, low- emissions coal- fired power stations.

North Queensland families, busi- nesses and farmers have been struggling under the rising cost of living and cost of production/ operation.

An Australian National University analysis of long- term price trends shows electricity prices in Queensland have soared 135 per cent over the past 10 years.

Indeed, Glencore has just announced that the future of its copper operations in North Queensland are under threat from high power prices.

Earlier this year in State Parliament, I spoke in support of an LNP motion calling on the Palaszczuk Government to support the development of a modern, coal- fired generator to provide re- liable baseload Queensland.

I highlighted the potential of the old Collinsville baseload power station site to be a suitable location for construction of a new, more efficient plant.

I pointed out that the decommissioned station already has grid network and high- capacity transmission lines in place, that it is ideally located next to the Collinsville Coal Mine and that the region is home to skilled workers.

Unfortunately, Labor voted against the motion, preferring instead to continue its support for less reliable and more expensive renewable energy projects. power to North

Regardless of that outcome, I have continued in my efforts to secure the establishment of a coal- fired power station in the North, and the recent announcements by the Prime Minister and Senator Canavan, coupled with farming and industry sector calls for coal- fired technology development in the North, have renewed my optimism that this project will eventuate.

I know my constituents want reliable, affordable power to reduce the cost of living, drive the economy and to create jobs, and I am dedicated to achieving this. DALE LAST, Member for Burdekin.