Page 1471 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 14 May 2014
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MR CORBELL: You did not ask me yesterday whether any documents had been lodged. You asked me whether a DA had been lodged, and my answer is accurate.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Dr Bourke.
DR BOURKE: Minister, how is the next stage of these large clean energy projects progressing?
MADAM SPEAKER: Before I call Mr Corbell, the first question was about a development application for what, Mr Wall? What was your question, Mr Wall?
Mr Wall: It related to the Uriarra solar farm.
MADAM SPEAKER: Yes. I call the minister.
MR CORBELL: Madam Speaker, I am pleased to say that these projects are progressing through the normal process and that it would be expected to see their assessment and approval or another decision not to approve or, indeed, their physical construction. Right now, the government is seeing a successful implementation of the first round of the solar auction process with the finalisation of construction of the 20 megawatt solar powered facility at Royalla, which is nearing completion. That is the single largest photovoltaic solar power facility under construction in Australia at this time. It will be the first large-scale PV solar generator to be connected into the national electricity market, the first in Australia. It will deliver enough renewable energy to meet the equivalent of the power needs of nearly 5,000 Canberra homes.
This is a great project for our city. It has delivered jobs, it has delivered investment into our city, it is helping our city to achieve its greenhouse gas reduction targets, and it is also helping our city to become a leader in clean energy technology, development and deployment.
Right now we see around the country projects being mothballed because of the regressive and anti-environment policies of the federal government. We see large-scale renewable energy projects stalled right around the country because of uncertainty around the future of the renewable energy target. We have seen the abolition of commonwealth agencies in the recent budget. And all of these are having a big impact. (Time expired.)
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Gentleman.
MR GENTLEMAN: Minister, do you see any support coming from the federal government for these important renewable energy generation projects?
Mr Coe: Point of order.
MADAM SPEAKER: Yes, Mr Coe.
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