Daintree Microgrid funding was listed in Labor Government’s budgets: Warren Entsch
A Queensland MP has accused the Prime Minister of not knowing what’s in his budgets after Anthony Albanese stated money for a renewable energy project “was never pulled, it was never there”.
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A Queensland MP has accused the Prime Minister of not knowing what’s in his budgets after Anthony Albanese said money for a renewable energy project “was never pulled, it was never there”.
Outgoing Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch says he returned from retirement to help lock in funding for a reinsurance pool and the Daintree Microgrid.
Earlier this month during a visit to Cairns Mr Albanese was asked about a meeting with Mr Entsch around the time the funds for the Daintree project were pulled, late last year.
“It was never actually there. It wasn’t pulled,” the Prime Minister said.
But Mr Entsch said Mr Albanese needed to “be honest” while referring to page 23 of the 2023-24 portfolio budget statements for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
It stated: “Establish a Renewable Microgrid Incorporating Hydrogen in the Daintree Community,” attached with a sum of $17.2m.
Mr Entsch also referred to page 54 of the Regional Ministerial Budget Statement from October 2022-23, which was Labor’s first preliminary budget after winning government.
“The Australian Government is providing up to $19.3m over three years from 2021-22
to support the deployment of a renewable energy microgrid incorporating hydrogen for the
Daintree community in Far North Queensland,” the excerpt read.
The retiring MP said while he had a “good working relationship” with the Prime Minister, he couldn’t understand Mr Albanese’s position the money never existed.
“He can’t say he didn’t know or he misunderstood because I actually sat down with him and his advisers in his office,” Mr Entsch said.
The Prime Minister’s office was contacted and asked to clarify his position on the funding.
A response was issued from Energy Minister Chris Bowen’s office, stating: “The Albanese Government is investing in real microgrid projects in regional and First Nations communities, bringing more reliable renewables into a modern, fit-for-purpose energy grid”.
“The Daintree Microgrid Project was given every opportunity to meet requirements they were contractually obligated to meet but they failed to do so and the grant funding ceased.”
Last year, Cairns-based Senator Nita Green defended the government’s decision to withdraw funds for Volt Advisory Group – the proponent of the project – which she said hadn’t gone through a proper tender process when selected by the Morrison Government, and since, had failed to meet performance markers set by the Albanese Government to continue to earn funding.
But Mr Entsch hit back stating the proponent had struggled to meet deadlines due to slow departmental processes in seeking approvals, and construction had been hampered due to weather and the subsequent effect on roads.
“From an environmental perspective it’s a no-brainer.
“From a community perspective, they’ve got a right to have mains power. There’s kids being educated under candle lights and diesel generators pumping in the background.”
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