ENERGY underpins everything. When energy prices go up, so does everything else.
More than 27,000 small businesses across the country have been forced to close their doors over the past two years, in part due to skyrocketing energy costs.
It was these things and more that were discussed at this week’s Australian Energy Future Forum with Member for Forde, Bert van Manen MP, Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy Ted O’Brien MP, and Member for Fadden, Cameron Caldwell MP, at the Well in Upper Coomera, with roughly 150 people attending.
“Labor’s ‘renewables-only’ experiment is costing Australians now – imagine how much it’ll be costing them in a couple years if we don’t see a change,” Member for Forde, Bert van Manen said.
“Their approach requires imposing 58 million solar panels, 3,500 new industrial wind turbines, and up to 28,000 kilometres of new transmission lines across the country. Energy experts have warned the cost of Labor’s rollout will be between $1.2 trillion and $1.5 trillion.
“So, the purpose of our forum, was to have an open and honest debate about this and what alternatives there might be.
“We had people in the room who are all for the Coalition’s plans, some vehemently opposed and some undecided. That’s exactly what we were seeking. We want to hear from all sides of the spectrum.
“We’ve seen a 32% (before rebates) rise in electricity and a 34% rise in gas costs. Those price increases don’t discriminate dependent on your political persuasions.
“I’m yet to meet a single resident in Forde who can tell me their electricity costs have stagnated or decreased. Some business owners have told me their bills have shot up by 150%.
“It all has a snowball effect, and the people of Forde ultimately lose out.
“People were promised life would be cheaper under an Albanese Labor Government, but nearly three years on we know that’s not the case.”
Prior to the event kicking off, protesters caused disruptions outside.
“People have the right to peacefully protest, and I’d never suggest otherwise. However, what people don’t have the right to do is menace and scare members of the community, especially children.
“To be photographing children, bringing young kids to tears and arguing with parents as they leave a nearby childcare centre is reprehensible.
“I went down the next day and thankfully the kids and the educators were all okay.
“I don’t doubt they’ll defend their actions, but to do that to kids, for businesses to be forced to close early, for them to endanger motorists and the fact police were required to attend, tells me they might need to rethink their methods,” Mr van Manen said.
Tuesday night’s event was the second of its kind in Forde over the past 12 months, with Shadow Minister Ted O’Brien joining Mr van Manen in Beenleigh last year.
