Federal Member for Flynn Colin Boyce has called on the Labor Government to explain what their legislated emissions target will mean for industries in Central Queensland.
This is following Rio Tinto Australian chief executive Kellie Parker sounding a clear warning to the nation.
Ms Parker recently spoke at the Melbourne Mining Club expressing that renewable energy must be globally competitive with reliable supply.
“Capital intensity matters. Renewables are capital intensive with minimal ongoing operating costs. Australia remains an expensive location to build so it won’t be easy,” Ms Parker said.
“Regional Australia, particularly the Pilbara and north Queensland, is remote, posing additional labour and cost challenges.
“Renewables are intermittent, and industry requires largely firm energy. A co-ordinated grid solution in Queensland will be critical and requires the collaboration of suppliers, users, regulators, transmission providers and policymakers.”
Mr Boyce said that currently Boyne Smelters Limited, Yarwun Alumina Refinery and Queensland Alumina Limited rely on coal fired power for their energy.
“Australian manufacturing requires affordable, 24/7 base load power to compete with the rest of the world,” Mr Boyce said.
“Rio Tinto have agreed with Labor legislating emission targets by 2030. However, they will not guarantee keeping aluminium smelters open in Australia if power prices get too high.
“What does the Labor Government’s 43 per cent emissions target mean for us in Central Queensland? How is this going to affect us? How is this going to affect the manufacturing industries? What does it mean for our jobs?
“This is what I want answered.”
