LNP backing net zero ‘death knell’ for coal power: Collinsville power station boss

The man spearheading a proposed Queensland power station says the Federal Government has gone ‘radio silent’ on the project and killed off support with its commitment to net zero.

The Morrison Government‘s commitment to net zero emissions has seen it kill off support for the proposed Collinsville coal-fired power station, the project’s proponent says.

Shine Energy CEO Ashley Dodd further claimed an unnamed Queensland Nationals MP had “voiced concerns” to him that the commitment to net zero had put the coal-fired generator at risk despite support from the junior Coalition partner.

But Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor said the government had been clear that coal would play an important role in the energy mix.

It is the second major intervention into the election campaign from the Shine Energy boss, who has expressed frustration at the Morrison Government for the lack of support three years after it funded a feasibility study for the project as part of an election commitment in 2019.

Ashley Dodd, CEO of Shine Energy, which is proposing to build a new coal-fired power station in Collinsville. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/The Australian

Mr Dodd went further to say that a lack of additional coal power left Australia’s “energy system vulnerable to future military cyber-attacks” from China.

“It’s imperative the government places energy security first and foremost before “Net Zero”, as China’s military is now in our backyard after signing a security pact with the Solomon Island government,” Mr Dodd said.

“The government’s radio silence is sending a strong signal that the Project has lost Morrison’s support given his commitment to net zero by 2050.

“The Morrison government needs to stop the political spin and let the North Queensland community know if they have sounded the “Net Zero” death knell of the coal fired power industry and coal communities within North Queensland and Australia, and support the Project through to Bankable Feasibility as part of their 2019 election commitment.”

Mr Taylor protecting Australia’s energy sector from cyber threats was of national importance and the government had invested $4.9 million in the 2020-21 budget to improve cyber security and preparedness in the sector.

“Australia will continue to take action in a practical, responsible way that is in our national interest,” Mr Taylor said.

“We will not put industries, regions or jobs at risk. We will take advantage of new economic opportunities while continuing to serve our traditional markets. We will focus on net zero, not absolute zero emissions, recognising the important role of traditional industries.”

He said the Morrison Government remained “committed to working with Shine, with delivery of the completed study expected later this year”.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce. Picture: Supplied, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Mr Dodd in the first week of the campaign Mr Dodd accused the Morrison Government of “gaslighting north Queensland” and using the project as a “political chess pawn”.

Deputy Prime Minister Joyce said he supported the business case continuing and wanted to see it completed, but refrained from giving vocal support to the Collinsville project saying the business case was needed to make sure “we’re being prudent with the taxpayers’ funds”.

LNP MPs including Michelle Landry and Phil Thompson expressed support for the project to proceed.

Originally published as LNP backing net zero ‘death knell’ for coal power: Collinsville power station boss