The Greens say $11 billion in annual federal subsidies to polluting fossil fuel companies should be phased out and the money redirected to accelerating a community-led transition to renewable energy.
Last week’s news revealed that Rio Tinto’s deal to purchase energy produced by the Upper Calliope Solar Farm would only deliver one quarter of the wind and solar energy it needs to power its Gladstone alumina and aluminium operations.
Gladstone-based Greens spokesperson on Industry, Transition and Regional Development Senator Penny Allman-Payne believes that the federal government needs to urgently ramp up investments in renewable energy. The Greens support calls from industry, business, unions and climate and energy organisations for renewable energy and electrification investment of at least $100 billion.
“Australia can become a renewable superpower, but if we don’t act soon to transition our industries away from dirty fossil fuels, we risk getting left behind as the rest of the world moves on,” Senator Allman-Payne said.
“The Inflation Reduction Act in the US shows what’s possible when a country seeks to let loose investment in clean energy. But Labor continues to back more gas – a dirty, polluting industry of the past that is fuelling the climate crisis and will leave workers stranded.
“We can’t leave climate action up to the same unchecked market forces that have caused the climate crisis in the first place. That’s why the energy transition needs to be driven by public investment, community-and government-led, with full, transparent and timely engagement, including the free, prior and informed consent of Traditional Owners, and protections for workers.
“The people of my home of Gladstone know all too well what happens when we let massive corporations drive decision-making. My community still bears the scars of multiple boom and bust cycles.
“They don’t want to trade one set of profiteering corporations and billionaires for another, and they don’t want their jobs, their homes and their health to be afterthoughts.”
Jaclyn McCosker, CQ Community Campaigner with the Australian Conservation Foundation said Last week’s announcement from Rio Tinto was meaningful to them also.
“This is a meaningful announcement, with Queensland’s biggest energy consumer indicating it is serious about using large-scale solar to power its energy-hungry aluminium refineries and smelters here in Gladstone,” she said.
“ACF welcomes this announcement, which is a step in the right direction for a company that is aiming to completely decarbonise its Gladstone operations.
“It’s good news for a community that has lived with the reality and health impacts of coal-based pollution over decades.
“Community action has led to this announcement.”
