Steven Miles promises deduction in energy bills for farmers and small businesses

The Labor Government is powering on with its promises for lower energy prices as the Queensland election campaign continues into week two, with its most marginal seat holder calling the party’s new policy a winner for his electorate.

Labor’s Cheaper Energy Plan is set to provide substantial savings for Queensland farmers, cutting power bills and delivering much-needed relief to the agricultural sector.

The Labor Government is powering on with its promises for lower energy prices as the Queensland election campaign continues into week two, with its most marginal seat holder calling the party’s new policy a winner for his electorate.

The party has promised to slash thousands of dollars from the energy bills of farmers and small businesses across the region as part of a plan to boost regional industries and ease cost pressures if re-elected on October 26.

The initiatives, announced in a media release on Tuesday, are part of the government’s Cheaper Energy Plan, which includes changes to electricity tariffs that could save small businesses and farmers thousands of dollars.

Bundaberg MP Tom Smith made the announcement on Tuesday, a day after Queensland Premier, Steven Miles visited the region.

A media release on the announcement issued by Mr Miles’ office said Mr Smith rallied behind local businesses to secure a new tariff classification that will have a significant impact, particularly in regional areas.

The new tariff classification, part of Labor’s plan to lower energy prices, is expected to reduce power bills by up to 60 per cent on average, the release said.

Labor’s Cheaper Energy Plan promises thousands in savings for farmers, helping reduce operational costs and support growth in rural communities.

The plan will increase the threshold for a Small Business Tariff from 100MWh to 160MWh, allowing more businesses to qualify for lower network tariffs and potentially save up to 62 per cent on energy bills.

In addition to these changes, small businesses are eligible for further cost-of-living relief, including $650 energy rebates and up to 50 per cent cashback for energy-efficient appliance purchases.

Mr Smith said in the release it was the local Bundaberg Ag-Food and Fibre Alliance who first raised this critical matter with him.
“Together we fought hard to secure this announcement for all of Queensland,” Mr Smith said.

The government’s plan also includes the creation of a new statewide energy retailer, aimed at driving competition and providing more choices for consumers in regional areas.

New energy tariff to ease costs for Queensland farmers, offering significant savings on power bills and boosting the agricultural sector.

“When my local farmers speak to me, I listen and get the job done,” Mr Smith said.

The announcement comes amid uncertainty about other key issues in the region, including the time and cost of repairing Paradise Dam, the lack of progress on Bundaberg’s new hospital, and the lack of commitment to the Bundaberg East Flood Levee.

These concerns could impact Labor’s chances in Bundaberg, Queensland’s most marginal electorate.

Tom Smith won the seat in 2020 by just nine votes and remains one of the most vulnerable MPs in the upcoming election.

LNP candidate Bree Watson was contacted for comment.
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Originally published as Steven Miles promises deduction in energy bills for farmers and small businesses