By JONATHON HOWARD
THE Greens’ plan to lower farm energy bills would greatly help farmers in the Maranoa electorate, says Greens local candidate for the federal election, Grant Newson.
“Our plan would lower on-farm energy bills with $100 million in grants for energy-intensive farms to upgrade equipment for maximum efficiency or to install renewable energy,” Mr Newson said.
“Horticulturalists and dairyfarmers, including many operating in Maranoa, rely on cool storage and high energy usage, and they need help on the farm to upgrade their equipment to save money and become more efficient.
“Queensland has the highest number of vegetable growers nationally, and around 2800 horticultural businesses.
“There are more than 555 dairy farms in Queensland that could benefit from these grants and around 82 of these are in Maranoa.”
Mr Newson said the plan would extend the benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency to local farmers who were struggling with rising costs.
The clean technology, food and foundry grants program for food processors was the result of the package negotiated with the Greens to tackle climate change.
“As well as seeing this program for food producers continue, the Greens also want to extend the benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency to farmers,” he said.
“Only the Greens have recognised the potential for renewable energy and energy efficiency to help farmers lower their costs and increase their business sustainability.
“With the mining industry dominating the local economy here, farmers have suffered increases in the cost of living and labour costs. “This assistance for energy-intensive farms would be welcome relief for many and would strengthen our sustainable agricultural industry, preparing our local economy for the inevitable mining bubble burst.”
