Queensland Election 2017: KAP vows to block coal-fired power station

KATTER’S Australian Party will block any move to build a new coal-fired power station in Queensland should it win the balance of power in the new parliament.

KAP leader Robbie Katter says coal-fired power stations take too long to come on stream.

KATTER’S Australian Party will block any move to build a new coal-fired power station in Queensland should it win the balance of power in the new parliament.

The LNP has pledged to build a new power station in the state’s north should it win government at the election, arguing it will help shore up supply and drive down power prices.

One Nation supports the move but KAP state leader Robbie Katter has dismissed it, revealing his party – which is hoping to increase its presence on the floor of the new parliament – would block it in favour of other methods to drive down power bills.

“Building a coal-fired power station takes a long time. If we started today we’re eight years away at best,” he said.

Queensland Member for Mount Isa Robbie Katter. Picture: Kym Smith

Mr Katter accused the major parties of being too focused on ideology and the battle between coal and renewables.

“Who cares where the electricity comes from. We just need it to be as cheap as possible right now, not in 2025,” he said.

Mr Katter said KAP would instead advocate for “structural changes” to the state-owned power companies.

“For too long both major parties have allowed their GOCs (government owned corporations) to rip off customers to bolster their own bottom lines,” he said.

“If we hold the balance of power after the next election we will address the price crisis by changing the way the Government regulates its poles and wires businesses to ensure they stop ripping off customers.”

He said KAP would ban the optimised replacement cost valuation methodology used by Powerlink, Ergon and Energex in a move he said would save $500 million to $1 billion a year.

KAP would also ditch the competitive neutrality fee along with some fees charged by Ergon to regional customers.

Originally published as Queensland Election 2017: KAP vows to block coal-fired power station