All right, who here is working for the QLD State Government? I suggest we get ride of Electric Hot water systems on the 19 May 07 and then Peter Beattie releases an announcement today that QLD will abolish Electric Hot water systems:
We can make a world contribution through reducing greenhouse gas emissions if we use our brains." Also receiving investment is the identification of new geothermal sites, for "hot rocks" power generation. "It's about injecting water into the earth's surface and using the heat to make steam and to actually run a turbine. "It's as good as hydro power there's nothing cleaner than that." A renewable energy fund will receive $50 million to promote research and development to help reach a renewable and low emissions energy target of 10 per cent by 2020. He said the target would reduce emissions from the energy sector by requiring electricity retailers to purchase a set amount of their energy from Queensland-based renewable or low emission energy sources. The State would also sell off some of its gas pipeline infrastructure and its wind farm assets to help fund a climate change fund, he said. The sale would generate $300 million to develop new technologies, like hydrogen fuel cells, and the fund would generate around $20 million in interest each year. In terms of changes in the community, he said everybody could do their part to reduce emissions. A Queensland feed-in tariff for solar power would be established so that people whose home solar systems put power back into the grid would be paid. Also on the home-front electric hot water systems will be phased out in existing homes from 2010, he said. It will become mandatory for homeowners replacing hot water systems after 2010 to use greenhouse friendly hot water systems, but rebates would be offered. Rebates would also be on offer to help people living in remote areas of the state to install greenhouse friendly devices. Business will be encouraged to become energy smart through a $55 million program. Mr Beattie said the government would help businesses to audit their usage and implement realistic targets. "This is about a balanced approach. "It's a total package, and it's a package that will protect jobs, protect the Queensland economy but also save the environment." He said he understood stakeholders might not be happy with every aspect of his plan, but urged them to consider the big picture. "We've got the balance right. There's a bit of pain in there for everybody but Queensland is more likely to suffer than any other state from the emissions trading scheme and transition in an economic sense. "That means we've got to be leaders, and what we've done today is put Queensland in the position where we're leading the nation." Taking a dose of his own medicine, Mr Beattie said all Queensland Government office buildings would be carbon neutral by 2020. "Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing us and dealing with it is a long-term investment. "I will be forming the Premier's Taskforce on Climate Change to help us meet the challenge." He said the state had achieved a lot in its fight against climate change, but more needed to be done. A one month consultation period would begin from today. We can make a world contribution through reducing greenhouse gas emissions if we use our brains." Also receiving investment is the identification of new geothermal sites, for "hot rocks" power generation. "It's about injecting water into the earth's surface and using the heat to make steam and to actually run a turbine. "It's as good as hydro power there's nothing cleaner than that." A renewable energy fund will receive $50 million to promote research and development to help reach a renewable and low emissions energy target of 10 per cent by 2020. He said the target would reduce emissions from the energy sector by requiring electricity retailers to purchase a set amount of their energy from Queensland-based renewable or low emission energy sources. The State would also sell off some of its gas pipeline infrastructure and its wind farm assets to help fund a climate change fund, he said. The sale would generate $300 million to develop new technologies, like hydrogen fuel cells, and the fund would generate around $20 million in interest each year. In terms of changes in the community, he said everybody could do their part to reduce emissions. A Queensland feed-in tariff for solar power would be established so that people whose home solar systems put power back into the grid would be paid. Also on the home-front electric hot water systems will be phased out in existing homes from 2010, he said. It will become mandatory for homeowners replacing hot water systems after 2010 to use greenhouse friendly hot water systems, but rebates would be offered. Rebates would also be on offer to help people living in remote areas of the state to install greenhouse friendly devices. Business will be encouraged to become energy smart through a $55 million program. Mr Beattie said the government would help businesses to audit their usage and implement realistic targets. "This is about a balanced approach. "It's a total package, and it's a package that will protect jobs, protect the Queensland economy but also save the environment." He said he understood stakeholders might not be happy with every aspect of his plan, but urged them to consider the big picture. "We've got the balance right. There's a bit of pain in there for everybody but Queensland is more likely to suffer than any other state from the emissions trading scheme and transition in an economic sense. "That means we've got to be leaders, and what we've done today is put Queensland in the position where we're leading the nation." Taking a dose of his own medicine, Mr Beattie said all Queensland Government office buildings would be carbon neutral by 2020. "Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing us and dealing with it is a long-term investment. "I will be forming the Premier's Taskforce on Climate Change to help us meet the challenge." He said the state had achieved a lot in its fight against climate change, but more needed to be done. A one month consultation period would begin from today.
