FARMERS say they have been betrayed after the Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) delivered its final determination that electricity prices would yet again significantly increase for 2017–18.
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) said the final version of the QCA Regulated Electricity Price determination released today outlined yet another year of above consumer price index (CPI) increases.
QFF president Stuart Armitage slammed the QCA price determination as price gauging at the expense of regional and rural Queenslanders.
“In the QCA draft determination our sector was assured that price increases for irrigation tariffs (62, 65 and 66) would be in line with the CPI at 1.7–1.9 percent,” Mr Armitage said.
“Instead farmers have been slugged with increases on their electricity bills of up to 10.3pc; four and half times more than CPI.”
“Queensland farmers have been slugged with consecutive unsustainable electricity price increases for over a decade.”
A few hours after the QCA release of the price determination, Treasurer Cutis Pitt shared regional Queensland outrage at the stated increases and has directed the QCA to revisit its figures and make a final price determination on June 16.
“We acknowledge and thank the Queensland Government’s commitment not to pass on the full increase, however the continued uncertainty remains a frustration for our entire sector,” Mr Armitage said.
“Despite the assurances from our politicians, there appears to be no reprieve from these unsustainable price increases.
“Some of our farmers now face the reality that the only way to keep their businesses viable is to abandon the grid, which negatively impacts all remaining customers.”
LNP opposition agriculture spokesman Dale Last said the decision was a kick in the guts for farmers who had already been hammered by high electricity costs.
“Crippling electricity prices are sending many farmers out of business and Labor’s latest price hike makes things even tougher,” Mr Last said.
“Today’s increase, which will see prices increase by more than 10 per cent for some farmers and irrigators, is the direct result of Labor’s decision to slug power companies with billions of dollars of debt.
“These double digit increases are being driven by the short-sighted decisions of a Labor Government that has shown time and again it doesn’t care about farmers.
“Only the LNP will stand up for farmers and jobs in regional Queensland and continue to fight against Labor’s policies to drive up power costs and treat Queenslanders like cash cows.”
Following today’s QRC announcement farmers and irrigators on Tariff 62 face a 10.3pc increase while those of Tariff 65 or Tariff 66 a 9pc increase.
Mr Armitage said when governments failed to offer solutions, solutions were forced upon industry.
“The issue of electricity prices is not confined to one level of government or one political party. It is a systemic failure of the highest order that permeates all levels of elected officials and government mechanisms,” Mr Armitage said.
“QFF and industry members will have a lot more to say on this issue that is crippling our industry and communities as we head into the upcoming state election.
“QFF will be holding all political parties to account on what they can do and their commitments on how to properly address rising electricity prices in Queensland.
“The time for talk and excuses is over. Rural and regional Queensland needs answers and action now.”
