8 September 2011
The Greens legislation for a renewable energy feed in tariff, which would have driven major renewable energy development in the regions, was defeated after the Upper House Nationals MPs refused to support a committee inquiry into the Bill.
Greens MLC Robin Chapple brought on a private members bill for a gross feed in tariff, which would promote renewable energy in WA. Country WA stood to be the big winners. Situated at the edge of the grid, and part of the ‘solar belt’, much of the renewable energy development would have been focused in regional WA. This would have brought long term jobs and economic development to regional towns.
“The Nationals say they are all about standing up for regional WA, but Royalties for Regions randomly sprinkle funds around the regions. There is nothing at all that requires Royalties for Regions funds to be spent in a way that will support long-term regional jobs.” said Greens energy spokesperson Robin Chapple MLC.
“We have, with this Bill, worked to set up a legal framework to drive regional economic development, and the Nationals have shut down the debate.”
The Labor Party supported the second reading of the Bill, which was opposed by the Liberal party.
“Clean energy is the foundation for a clean economy. The latest figures show solar power can be generated at the same price as coal. Yet the Liberals, the dinosaurs of politics, are refusing to engage with these critical debates.”
The Legislative Council has today defeated Mr Chapple’s Bill, which sought to introduce the successful European model of renewable energy “feed-in tariffs” into Western Australia. The Bill was based mainly on the German model, which has since 2000 driven renewable energy generation to 17% and more than 300,000 jobs nationally.
- For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255
