MELBOURNE, Friday 28 February 2025 - In response to Senator Susan McDonald’s comments that the Coalition would open up a “bucket load” of gas projects if elected, the following comments can be attributed to Solutions for Climate Director Dr Barry Traill:
"Unfortunately the Federal Liberal-Nationals continue to bring out outstandingly bad proposals for energy and climate needs. Firstly, we had the extraordinarily strange idea of bringing nuclear reactors to Australia. This would be too risky, too expensive, and would come too late to assist with our clean energy needs.
Now, the Federal Liberal-National mining spokesperson, Susan MacDonald, proposed fast-tracking approvals for new gas mines, and introducing fracking and offshore gas, with a special focus on Victoria. This would fly in the face of long-held community opposition.
We would ask: what will Victorian-based Liberal MPs like Dan Tehan be telling community members in Western Victoria, about the Liberal-National’s plans to drill for gas off their beaches, which are home to one of Australia’s top whale-watching hotspots?
And does Queenslander Susan MacDonald really want to impose fracking on country Victorians, despite it having been disastrous for Queensland farmlands and forests?
Solutions for Climate Australia is working on the ground with communities all over the country who are increasingly mobilising on climate change, and will work hard to protect Victoria and the nation from the Federal Liberal-National’s plan to embed climate-polluting gas into the state.
Gas is an expensive fossil fuel that produces millions of tonnes of climate pollution in Australia each year, and gouges Australian families through their energy bills.
Australians need real energy solutions, right now, and we already have the solution in powerful, cheap and clean solar and wind energy, backed up by storage."
–ENDS–
For interviews please contact Nelli Stevenson - 0481 303 815 nelli@nellistevenson.com
