Pumped hydro fails Future Made in Australia Act

An emphasis on new economy mining and renewable energy generation has iced the support of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) to the Prime Minister's Future Made in Australia Act. But the Liberal-National opposition has a thing or two to say about the Act that supports the Queensland government Jobs and Energy Plan involving more $62b investment in new economy initiatives. In the 'Yeah' corner, the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies has expressed its encouragement for the Act as has the peak body representing scientists, technology workers, engineers and mathematicians, science and technology Australia. Main image: Pioneer Valley west of Mackay much of which will be flooded under plans for the Pioneer Burdekin Pumped Hydro. Member for Capricornia, the LNP's Michelle Landry has pointed out the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro project is the centrepiece of the Queensland plan said . The pumped hydro scheme was uncosted said Ms Landry. “It's remarkable that the Prime Minister is ready to support a project expected to become the world's largest, despite the lack of clarity on its complete cost to taxpayers and its potential environmental and social impacts on the Eungella locals,” she said. “With the estimated cost already blown out from $12 billion to $18 billion in under two years, it begs the question of just how costly this overly ambitious project will be. “Prime Minister Albanese is backing a project two and a half times larger than Snowy 2.0, which has seen its own ongoing cost blowouts and extensive delays.” Related: 70% renewables target by 2032 announced in landmark energy plan The ACTU said it looks forward to working with Government to ensure that its content guarantees the creation of good, safe, secure well-paid jobs and tangible community benefits. The new act involves public investment, government procurement, financing and training to build critical industries like green metals, green hydrogen, advanced renewable manufacturing, and value-added critical minerals. For this investment to work it is essential that government support include conditions that ensure the jobs it creates are well-paid, safe, secure jobs in the regions and communities that need them the ACTU said. It was a good first step said ACTU President Michele O’Neil. “Decarbonising our economy could create hundreds of thousands of good secure well-paid jobs, healthier communities, and a renewed national prosperity, while safeguarding Australians from spiralling climate crises,” said Ms O’Neil. “Renewables have proven time and again that they’re the cheapest form of energy. More renewables on the grid means lower power bills—incredibly important during this cost-of-living crisis. “This is a nation-building project; The Future Made in Australia Act will help Australia compete at the head of the pack in the global race toward our clean energy future and make sure the benefits flow to workers their families and communities.” “The jobs and industries of the future need to be built now, and the union movement is ready to play our part in winning for workers, better jobs, a stronger economy and a safer climate.”

Pumped hydro fails Future Made in Australia Act

Industry Queensland

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