QUEENSLAND’s intensive farmers have backed an LNP commitment to re-establish an Agriculture Energy and Water Council.
The council will consist of representatives from the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), QFF industry member CANEGROWERS, AgForce and relevant LNP shadow ministers; and Energy Queensland if the LNP is elected.
The Liberal National Party (LNP) announced today that it is re-establishing an Agriculture Energy and Water Council to improve collaboration between industry, government and government-owned corporations (GOCs) in considering energy-related issues that impact agriculture.
QFF has been very vocal on the need for government to address spiraling electricity prices.
- Stuart Armitage, Queensland Farmers Federation president
QFF president Stuart Armitage commended the LNP for its willingness to work alongside industry to address unsustainable and unjustifiable electricity prices.
“QFF and industry members have been very vocal on the need for government to address spiraling electricity prices and have been providing considered options that could improve the situation,” Mr Armitage said.
“We have also been strongly advocating for the need to properly consider the synergy to water efficiency – the energy/water nexus. This forum has the potential to address both these issues.
“It is a good initiative and we look forward to being involved, but the council must deliver real outcomes in the form of lower electricity costs for all regional businesses. The worst outcome would be for this to become yet another talkfest that provides no relief for Queensland farmers.”
The purpose of the LNP’s Agriculture Energy and Water Council will be to:
- Develop further collaboration between Queensland Farmers’ Federation, AgForce, CANEGROWERS and the LNP to consider energy-related issues of the agriculture industry.
- Provide strategic oversight to existing Government assistance packages for the agriculture industry, which is facing substantial change and uncertainty in relation to electricity.
- Coordinate management of electricity and water as key agricultural inputs.
“The time for talk, excuses and inaction on electricity is over. The upcoming election provides an opportunity for both sides of politics to clearly put forward their position for Queensland’s electricity system,” Mr Armitage said.