NSW Government must refuse Scott Morrison’s gas plant

Zali Steggall MP is calling on NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Rob Stokes MP, to reject the Morrison Government’s plan to build a gas-fired power station in the Hunter Valley.

“NSW Energy Minister Matt Kean has made it clear that the Kurri Kurri gas-fired power station in the Hunter region is not needed or desirable for NSW’s energy future,” Ms Steggall MP said. “This intervention in the market is anti-competitive and counter-productive to a sustainable, low-cost energy future for the state.

“The Federal Government is interfering in the market and backing expensive, carbon intensive energy over cheap clean energy. This decision by the Morrison government to choose the technology of gas has been widely condemned by scientists, economists and investors.

“This is completely against free market liberalism and shows how far Scott Morrison is willing to go to support his mates over sound management of the economy and jobs.

“We need to transition away from coal and gas to mitigate increasing temperatures caused by climate change, and yet we have a government that is willing to ignore the science, the industry and even investors. NSW Government has a net zero by 2050 plan and is already constructing multiple renewable energy zones throughout the State. Minister Stokes needs to back his Energy Minister and put an end to unwelcome intervention by the Commonwealth in the NSW energy mix.”

The facts are:

• Australian Energy Market Operator says more gas generation is not needed link here
• The CSIRO has said gas generation is an expensive electricity link here
• Economists say gas extraction creates very few jobs link here
• Scientists say that gas is incompatible with our Paris Agreement goals link here
• Investors argue that gas is not a good investment link here

The Climate Change Bills are currently before a Parliamentary inquiry that would set a net-zero target by 2050 in law.  For more information go to www.climateactnow.com.au