Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party, Leader of the Nationals) Share this | Hansard source

The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1) Yes. The Australian Government is providing $750,000 from the $580 million National Water Infrastructure Development Fund for the "Tablelands Irrigation Project Feasibility Study". This feasibility study will investigate the financial viability of this proposal and identify options for multi-purpose water use in the Upper Herbert catchment to support regional growth. The feasibility study will be completed by 30 April 2019.

(2) Yes.

(3) The Australian Energy Market Operator is responsible for maintaining power system security and reliability.

(4) Yes.

(5) The Australian Government places a high priority on the reliability and affordability of energy supply, while also meeting our international commitments. We must ensure that households and businesses have access to affordable and reliable power.

In this context, the Government has just announced a new National Energy Guarantee (Guarantee). The policy builds on the Finkel Review, which recommended the creation of the Energy Security Board (ESB) that has now recommended this program design. The Guarantee integrates energy and climate policy and will deliver a more reliable and lower emissions energy system, which puts downward pressure on prices. It requires retailers to manage their energy needs to deliver low cost, reliable and low emissions generation that guarantees reliability across the grid while meeting our international emission reduction commitments.

The Government will work with the ESB and the states through the Council of Australian Governments to implement the Guarantee.

(6) The Queensland Government is responsible for planning to meet current and future water and energy demand in Queensland and projects cannot proceed without that government's support. The Australian Government is open to considering proposals from the Queensland Government.

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