New Queensland Solar Farm an important step for Sunshine State
Solar Citizens today welcomed the Queensland Government’s announcement that it will approve one of Australia’s largest proposed solar farms with the ability to power 65,000 Queensland homes.
Solar Citizens National Director Claire O’Rourke said that the Clare solar farm, that will have 238 hectares of PV panels, demonstrates Queensland is ideally placed to invest in renewable energy, create jobs and produce clean power from a plentiful natural resource.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates that Queensland understands the benefits of renewable energy and solar,” said Ms O’Rourke.
“This is an important project for the state and will help Queensland to make the most of its prime position as the “Sunshine State”, but more opportunities exist. There is still much more that must be done to ensure Queenslanders can fully realise the bright and sunny future that solar power offers.
“Queenslanders love their solar - more than 454,000 households have installed solar power so far. It’s encouraging to hear that the State government is moving ahead with its support for solar and renewable energy.
“During the Queensland Election the State ALP released A Solar Future, a policy that includes a commitment to determining a fair Feed-in Tariff and a goal of 1 million solar rooftops in Queensland by 2020. Solar Citizens across Queensland want to see these policies implemented.
“More than 600 Queensland Solar Citizens wrote to the government following the election calling on them them to keep their promises of support for solar and renewables.
“Queensland has also committed to a goal of 50% renewable energy by 2030, a policy that will help create jobs and encourage investment.
“Despite these commitments, Queenslanders have seen fixed price increases of up to 20 per cent on their electricity bills, meaning all consumers will pay up to $428 per year just to access the grid, regardless of whether they have solar or not.
“Large scale solar is key to transitioning Queensland to a clean energy future, but the State needs to do more to prevent bill shock,” said Ms O’Rourke.
For more information contact Siobhan Lyttle: 0432 828 004
