cuts to Qld energy sector red tape

I find it curious that the Qld State Government is using the introduction of the carbon tax as the justification for removing funding for renewable energy, gas and energy efficiency programs etc.....

....when the Federal opposition is adamant that it will remove the carbon tax:

Read the following statement from the Member for Caloundra:

Minister for Energy and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark McArdle

Friday, March 08, 2013

Further cuts to Queensland energy sector red tape

The Newman Government continues to cut red tape from the State’s energy sector, including closing a program which forces businesses to report their electricity use to government.

Energy Minister Mark McArdle said the State Government was closing  the Queensland Gas Scheme and the Smart Energy Savings Program (SESP) and repealing standards for new coal-fired power stations.

“These schemes, introduced by the previous State Government, have largely achieved what they set out to do and are no longer required,” Mr McArdle said.

“The Queensland Gas Scheme requires electricity retailers to source 15 per cent of their electricity from Gas Fired Generators, to encourage investment in gas fired electricity generation and boost gas production across the state.

“The scheme has served its purpose, with nearly 20 per cent of electricity currently being sourced from gas generators.

“Since Carbon Pricing, introduced  in July 2012,  is achieving similar outcomes, now is an appropriate time to remove duplication and cease the Scheme.

The Smart Energy Savings Program (SESP), requiring businesses using a certain amount of electricity,  to report their energy use to government, will also be closed.

Mr McArdle said Queensland businesses should identify energy savings to boost their bottom lines and not be forced to report these savings to Government.

“This requirement was adding red tape for no reason and the Government will not undertake any compliance activity for outstanding obligations under the SESP.”

Mr McArdle said standards for new coal-fired power stations would be abolished as they had been replaced by the introduction of carbon pricing and  no additional environmental benefit would be achieved by continuing the policy.

“The repeal of these standards will strip away the administrative burden and complexity for investors. It will allow them to select  the most appropriate technology for their needs and brings Queensland into line with all other states and the Federal Government,” he said.

”Also, based on current demand,  it is unlikely there will be a need for an additional coal-fired base load generator in Queensland within the next decade.

The Department of Energy and Water Supply will provide guidance to participants as they transition out of the two closing schemes and help energy providers understand any changes as a result of the repeal of standards on new coal-fired power stations.”

[ENDS] 8 March, 2013

Mark McArdle: poo, wee and lifestyle choices

Is Mark McArdle taking an interest in Lifestyle Choices?

Minister for Energy and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark McArdle

Thursday, August 23, 2012

30-year Queensland water plan in pipeline

The Newman Government has announced a 30-year vision for affordable, secure, sustainable and high quality water and sewerage services is being developed as part of the Six Month Action Plan.

Energy and Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle said planning for Queensland’s future water sector was critical to delivering a reliable and cost effective water and sewerage service and to maintaining business growth and lifestyle choices.

“Delivering a long-term water plan to harness the benefits and reduce the risks associated with our State’s naturally-occurring climate (drought and flood), is an essential part of our plan for growth,” Mr McArdle said.

“In contrast, Labor’s failure to plan resulted in the south east Queensland water supply crisis, followed by a panicked, $7 billion investment in redundant water assets and massive price hikes.”

Mr McArdle said his department was working with other state departments and agencies to prepare a ‘whole-of-government’ discussion paper on the challenges and opportunities facing Queensland’s water and sewerage supply system.

“The biggest stumbling block to realising a clear 30-year water supply plan for Queensland is navigating the legislative, bureaucratic and jurisdictional maze,” he said.

“Water is not something that simply comes out of a household tap and goes down a drain.

“Sewerage management is a key cost to water businesses and has significant environmental impacts. We need to consider the broader water cycle and how to best implement solutions.”

Mr McArdle said he looks forward to hearing the views of the local government sector, especially water and sewerage service providers, industry experts, community and businesses.

“The success of Queensland’s water future relies on government, industry and the community considering the challenges and solutions together,” he said.

The Queensland Water Sector Discussion Paper, to be released in December 2012, will consider water security and reliability, public health and safety, environmental outcomes, liveability (integrated water and land-use planning), industry resilience (including industry skills), water for Queensland industries (including agriculture and mining), partnerships and engagement, and affordability.

30 year plan for Queensland’s water sector

My letter to the Minister for Energy and Water......

The Honourable Mark McArdle

Minister for Energy and Water

cc: The Premier, Mark Pascoe (CEO - International Water Centre), Robert Cavallucci (Member for Brisbane Central)

Dear Mr McArdle,

At the AWA Water Association Awards and Gala dinner recently, you announced that the Qld Government will “Release a discussion paper for a 30 year plan for Queensland’s water sector".

Over dinner, this led to a discussion about: "what are the issues that the Qld Government should discuss?" 

We (as a society) have to get better at dealing with an integrated water cycle with a comprehensive (holistic) approach to managing water supplies, irrigation, sewage treatment and managing stormwater.

Our current institutional arrangements do not lend themselves to an integrated approach.

Our centralised water distribution and sewerage networks are very vulnerable to extreme weather events and heavily reliant on energy intense treatment and transport.

In framing a 30 year plan for the Water Sector, I would like to see the Qld Government and the Water industry respond to the causes and impacts of climate change.

The causes of climate change, obviously include generation of greenhouse gas emissions (directly and indirectly).

The impacts include a greater intensity and variability of rainfall events. 

 I am interested in seeing more mileage for Sustainable sewage transport and treatment as part of the 30 year plan.

Sustainable sewage (also known as Productive Sanitation) might include source segregation of urine, faeces and trade waste with more emphasis on resource recovery and reuse.

I am looking forward to the release the discussion paper for a 30 year plan for Queensland’s water sector and participating in the discussion.

regards,

Rowan Barber