BASE LOAD COAL BID

LNP pledges to fast- track new power station in NQ

THE LNP has pledged to fast- track plans for a coal- fired baseload power station in North Queensland within 100 days of being elected.

The election promise, made by Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls in his Budget reply yesterday, ensures energy policy is a key issue for voters in the North ahead of the upcoming poll.

Mr Nicholls ( above) said he would grant “priority project” status to a low- emission ultrasupercritical coal- fired power station in North Queensland and call for proposals within 100 days of an LNP election win.

While there are no shovel- ready projects, it is understood the LNP has been approached by parties interested in building a facility.

The Bulletin understands reopening a coalfired station at Collinsville is not an option.

THE LNP has pledged to fasttrack plans for a coal- fired baseload power station in North Queensland within 100 days of being elected to government.

The election promise, made by Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls during his Budget reply speech yesterday, ensures energy policy is a key issue for voters in the North ahead of the upcoming state poll.

Mr Nicholls said the LNP would grant “priority project” status to a new, economicallyviable, low- emission ultrasupercritical coal- fired power station in North Queensland.

Expressions of interest would be called within 100 days of an LNP election win.

While there are no shovelready baseload power projects, it is understood the LNP has been approached by parties interested in building a facility.

The Bulletin also understands that reopening a coalfired station at Collinsville is not being considered.

“The LNP has listened to the concerns of Townsville families, small businesses and industry that want reliable electricity at a price they can afford,” Mr Nicholls said.

“Modelling by Townsville Enterprise shows a low emissions coal- fired power station in North Queensland would lower electricity prices.”

Mr Nicholls said wholesale electricity prices had increased by 70 per cent under Labor.

“North Queensland is being left behind with no baseload power station,” he said.

“The coal used for this power station could come from the Galilee Basin.”

Mayor Jenny Hill said North Queensland needed low energy prices to underpin investments in the region.

“Particularly in manufacturing, those low energy prices are critical if we are going to survive as a manufacturing centre in the North,” she said.

“Not to mention mums and dads who are paying more for power than ever before.”

Cr Hill said the Australian Energy Market regulator predicted Townsville would need additional gas supplies by 2030.

“That would make not just coal but a gas- fired station feasible,” she said.

“The issue really isn’t the energy source, the issue is getting energy security and the lowest prices possible.”

Treasurer Curtis Pitt yesterday described Mr Nicholl’s Budget reply as weak.

Labor has committed $ 100 million to the Burdekin Hydro Electric project.

“We heard pledges from the LNP that aren’t worth the paper they’re written on,” he said. “There was nothing original in today’s speech except for a new coal- fired power station which I think everyone would agree – if you have a better renewable option which we have outlined for the Burdekin Falls Dam with hydro – Mr Nicholls is well and truly all at sea.”

Townsville Enterprise director policy and investment Michael McMillan said the city needed baseload power.

“Whether that be coal, hydro or gas, we desperately need baseload generation here in North Queensland,” he said.

“Anything to bring down energy costs.”

N NORTH QUEENSLANDQ IS BEING LEFT BEHIND WITH NO BASELOAD POWER STATION TIM NICHOLLS ( PICTURED)