Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing) Share this | Hansard source

Today I draw your attention to this government's lack of concern for those across regional Australia, who are being directly impacted by the ideological net zero targets. The goal of achieving 82 per cent renewable energy to power our nation by 2030 is significantly affecting regional communities on an unprecedented scale. This target is causing substantial harm to the lives of thousands of residents in rural and regional Australia, as they bear witness to the extensive destruction of our native flora and fauna habitats.

To truly understand how much of our prime agricultural land and untouched remnant vegetation is at stake, let me put this into perspective for those sitting opposite: one seven-megawatt wind turbine must be erected every 18 hours and 22,000 solar panels must be installed every single day until 2030. This is on top of the 23,000 kilometres of transmission lines scarring our countryside to connect each project. Where are these industrial-scale renewable projects going to go? Certainly not in inner-city Melbourne or off the coast of Bondi Beach. According to projections from Net Zero Australia, it is estimated that, by 2050, the energy required to replace Australia's fossil fuel exports, in addition to domestic consumption, will require solar farms equivalent in size to five Tasmanias.

The current climate and energy plan put forth by Labor has proven to be ineffective, resulting in adverse consequences for everyday Australians. Despite their promise of a $275 reduction in their household power bills, Australians now find themselves paying up to $1,000 more annually. This has led to Australia having some of the highest energy bills in the world, placing an undue financial burden on households. Despite assurances of a more reliable grid, reports from the Australian Energy Market Operator indicate significant risks of blackouts in the future.

The disconnect between promises and the actual state of energy infrastructure raises concerns about the reliability and sustainability of Australia's energy systems. The potential for blackouts poses not only an inconvenience but also potential economic and social repercussions, emphasising the urgency for effective and comprehensive energy policies. Labor's energy solutions and net-zero target policies are tearing apart regional communities at the seams.

I want to paint a picture for you of just one project that is tearing the lives apart of the regional community of Eungella. Just 80 kilometres west of Mackay and perched high above the rich plains of the Pioneer Valley lies the townships of Eungella and Netherdale. This mist-shrouded and forest-clad mountain refuge is one of Queensland's most ecologically diverse parks, with 860 plant species and a wonderful variety of wildlife. Nevertheless, the former Premier of Queensland surprised residents in Eungella and Netherdale in 2022 by revealing the state Labor government's intention to establish the centrepiece of their renewable initiative, referred to as the 'jewel in the crown'.

Their plan is to create the world's largest pumped hydro scheme in one of Australia's most ecologically diverse regions and force families from their homes. This $12 billion pie-in-the-sky scheme, known as Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro, involves the construction of three dams, two at the top of the mountain and a third reservoir at the bottom, with a 65-metre-high wall. A hair-raising 937 hectares of land, or 1,753 football fields, will be flooded for the three reservoirs, also taking out the town of Netherdale and countless other farms and homes. I have visited farmers and locals of Eungella and Netherdale, and the impact this is having on the community is heartbreaking. Families who have resided on the properties there for generations are being forced off the land. Hundreds more throughout the community of Eungella will be indirectly impacted by the loss of essential infrastructure, like Eungella Primary School, due to the drastic decline in population.

The Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro project is bringing the community of Eungella and the Pioneer Valley to its knees. This project is creating substantial impact on locals in Eungella and Netherdale. The residents are experiencing enormous emotional and psychological impacts as they live in a state of uncertainty and are hindered from making decisions about their future. Anxiety prevails, with looming questions about the potential requisition of their homes, the potential fragmentation of their community and the fate of the land once envisioned as a lasting legacy for future generations.

I call on this government to pause their relentless march to their net zero targets and to undertake an inquiry into the impact these renewable energy projects have on regional communities. Save our platypus; save our koalas; save our land.

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