Call for flat rate power change

A FAR NORTH horticultural advocacy group is calling on the Queensland Government to lower the regulated electricity price to a more affordable rate to help “boost the economy and stimulate growth”.

FNQ Growers have joined a chorus of the state’s agricultural lobby groups calling for changes after providing feedback on the Queensland Competition Authority’s (QCA) Draft Determination for Regulated Retail Electricity Prices for 2020-21.

Chairman Joe Moro said horticultural growers needed a flat rate of 16c/kW tariff, with no demand tariff and no supply charge.

“This flat rate is regarded by industry and growers as the ‘sweet spot’ of electricity affordability,” he said.

“This is because it enables growers to be economically sustainable and continue to contribute to the state’s longterm advantage in the production of food.

“By lowering the price of electricity – a charge growers have little control over, yet it is one that is critical for the operation of a farm – primary producers will be able to increase production.

“This would help boost the economy and stimulate growth, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the region.”

Queensland Farmers’ Federation chief executive officer Dr Georgina Davis said it was “very disappointing” that the QCA had maintained price levels for irrigation businesses on transitional and obsolete tariffs for the third year in a row.

“In a further blow to our farming community, there appears to be nothing in the final determination that will offer highly seasonal businesses greater flexibility with tariffs that better match the seasonality of use,” she said.

“As farmers now turn to their economic recovery, what they need more than ever is affordable electricity and price certainty to ensure their viability producing Queensland’s food, fibre and foliage into the future.”