Mander cools on coal

THE State Opposition has “agreed to disagree” with Federal Resources Minister Matt Canavan who heralded coal as being “king”, further dividing the LNP’s stance on energy.

Canavan, a Nationals senator, made the comments yesterday after a new report revealed world demand and high prices show Australia’s total coal exports are forecast to reach $ 58.1 billion in 2018- 19, overtaking iron ore at $ 57.2 billion for the first time in almost a decade.

However, the LNP’s Deputy Leader Tim Mander yesterday said he would have to “agree to disagree”.

“We believe that renewable energy does have a part to play in our energy supply in Queensland but we believe that transition should happen responsibly,” he said.

“We have to agree to disagree with Canavan on this particular issue.”

It comes just weeks after Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington promised Queens- landers the LNP would plan for a “future beyond coal”.

The comments sparked concern in the party ahead of a looming federal election, with the LNP desperate to hold marginal seats in mining regions.

“Of course coal will play a major part in providing power well into the future of Queensland but as technology improves we believe renewables also have a role to play,” Mr Mander said yesterday.

“That’s why we have a different policy in this matter than Senator Canavan.”

Asked whether a high- efficiency low- emissions coalfired power station was still on the cards after the party campaigned heavily for the new technology during last year’s state election, Mr Mander said it would depend on the proposal.

“We have said that if a private proposal, and I don’t know of any at the moment, we would examine that and if it deserves assistance we would do that by providing the right regulatory support,” he said.