Power prices cut deep
Farmers call for action Rising costs a burden
QUEENSLAND farmers are still waiting for urgent action by the State and Federal governments to address the rising impost of electricity prices.
Primary producers and industry experts gathered in Brisbane this week for the Queensland Farmers’ Federation’s energy forum, which looked at the challenges of dealing with the hip-pocket hit of power prices.
Speakers outlined the huge impost of power price rises and how they conflicted with the pressure for farmers to continue to grow their production, despite the rising costs.
The issue, QFF chief executive Dan Galligan said, was unanimously one of the biggest challenges facing Queensland producers, with rises as much as 200% in the past five years.
“Farmers are price-takers and have no ability to pass on these extra costs down the value chain,” he said.
While governments have been working to improve the rising cost of power, it has not stopped the prices on quarterly bills, and has done little to reduce pressure on the already-squeezed farm sector.
A statement from QFF noted there “are few easy answers when it comes to electricity prices and tariffs”, but the forum did help to highlight “the need for urgent and decisive action” from both governments.
According to industry organisation Canegrowers, something can be done.
Acting CEO Ron Mullins said the State Government could direct the behaviour of the state’s electricity assets – after all, it owns them.
And the incoming Federal Government could work with its regulatory agency, the Australian Energy Regulator, to ensure network tariffs reflect the needs of food and fibre producers.
Meanwhile, AER is still seeking submissions on a “stakeholder engagement survey”, aiming to encourage network providers to up their game. Producers have until August 31 to respond to the national regulator about their concerns.
For more information, visit www.aer.gov.au.