ACT businesses demand Federal government keep Renewables Target
74 ACT solar businesses have signed a letter calling on the Federal Government to back jobs and investment in the solar industry by maintaining the Renewable Energy Target.
The joint industry letter, coordinated by Solar Citizens and the Australian Solar Council and signed by 470 businesses nation-wide has been sent to Federal Senators.
“By attacking the Target, the government is risking 15,000 jobs in the solar industry nationwide,” said Solar Citizens National Director Claire O’Rourke.
“Cutting the Target will mean many ACT families who run small businesses will have their livelihoods ripped out from underneath them,” said Ms O’Rourke.
“ACT wants the Renewable Energy Target, which is why more than 15,082 ACT homes have installed solar power, creating thousands of jobs along the way.”
“There are 4,500 solar businesses operating in Australia, the vast majority them small and medium sized businesses,” said Chief Executive of the Australian Solar Council John Grimes.
“The Abbott government has broken yet another election promise, this time to maintain John Howard’s Renewable Energy Target of 20% and placing the future of an entire industry in jeopardy.”
“The government appears set on denying millions of Australians the opportunity to get rooftop solar and cut their electricity bills,” said Ms O’Rourke.
“Instead of favoring the interests of big energy, the government needs to stand up for ACT businesses and keep the target strong,” she said.
Claire O'Rourke is available for comment. For more information contact Holly Crocket on 0413 343 329.
