Federal Member for Flynn, Mr Colin Boyce MP, stated that today's announcement by the Gladstone Power Station (GPS) Joint Venture to bring forward its closure by six years, raises concerns that Net Zero policies will continue to impact industry in the regions.
"I acknowledge that the Gladstone Power Station is simply operating within the rules of the AEMO, giving 3 and a half years of notice of potential closure.
"This can be extended back to the original planned closure date of 2035. Rio Tinto has stated that there is capacity to keep the power station open and I would encourage that they work with the Queensland State Government to do so. The energy road map needs to be underpinned by reliable, affordable energy, and the Gladstone Power Station could continue its role for the next ten years.
"It is the Federal Government's plans to continue to pursue their 100 per cent renewable energy targets at all costs that need to be addressed," Mr Boyce said.
"The early closure of the Gladstone Power Station will be devastating to the industry. It supplies approximately 80 per cent of its power production to the alumina sector, the port of Gladstone and the general heavy industry.
"You cannot run the fourth largest coal terminal in the world and the two refineries and alumina smelter on wind turbines and solar panels - it's just not feasible."
