on the other hand bc govt can do more than one thing at a time....

on the other hand bc govt can do more than one thing at a time. I keep in mind the security of baseload energy as the primary need as the coal plants expire. sure renewable energy is extending and becoming increasingly efficient and productive but the storage we need to provide adequate cover for the entire east half of the country:

The report notes that the combined 3,700MW storage committed to 2030 in short duration storage and longer duration pumped hydro - through the development of Snowy 2.0 in NSW, Kidston in Queensland and Cethana in Tasmania - will cover only a fraction of what is required.. https://www.energycouncil.com.au/analysis/energy-storage-assessment-where-are-we-now/.

how much will this cost over how much time?

both options for baseload, which I accept is a term now disrespected by some, include gas(-led recovery) or around 15,000 Mw storage by 2030.

in that light nuclear must be considered a possible option.