The Queensland Government’s recently released budget includes investment in renewables to help the state adapt to changes in the energy industry.
Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply, Mark Bailey, said that Ergon Energy would spend $8.2 million on its Battery Storage Network Development initiative to prepare for Queensland’s renewable energy future.
“This will see the installation of Ergon’s ground-breaking Grid Utility Support Systems (GUSS) across regional Queensland’s electricity network.
“These systems charge during low-demand periods and then assist with the provision of reliable electricity supply during high demand periods.
“The GUSS technology is another step towards easing pressure on our electricity grids, and improving our use of renewable energy in Queensland.
“The Palaszczuk Government is serious about its commitment to job creation and economic growth and this Budget helps supply a reliable and cost-effective energy and water supply to support our communities and our industries,” Mr Bailey said.
Mr Bailey said this year’s budget delivers $655 million in subsidies and support across the energy and water supply portfolio, further securing reliable and cost-effective delivery of these vital services for Queenslanders.
“Communities, particularly those in regional Queensland, have been a major focus of the Palaszczuk Government’s 2016 State budget,” Mr Bailey said.
“We’ve committed $561.2 million to subsidise regional Queensland electricity prices, to ensure that customers across regional Queensland pay a similar amount for their electricity to those in South East Queensland.
“These subsidies are important to households in regional Queensland because the Palaszczuk Government knows the importance of ensuring a family in areas including Townsville, Cairns and Mount Isa and in other rural and regional communities pay a similar amount for their electricity than a household in Brisbane.”
Mr Bailey said the Government was also committed to supporting the state’s farmers.
“Building our regional communities and growing our agriculture sector is vitally important to Queensland’s economy and job creation,” Mr Bailey said.
“That’s why the Budget includes $4.1 million to support Queensland farmers battling drought conditions by providing relief from fixed charges for electricity accounts that are used to pump water for farm or irrigation purposes.
“This funding is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $41.9 million drought assistance package.”
