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Farmers rally at Parliament House to protest federal Labor government hasty pursuit of renewables that increases food and energy costs

A national rally at Parliament House today protests Labor's rapid renewables push, fearing soaring costs, agricultural land destruction, and environmental harm. Critics call for a Senate Inquiry and project suspension.

By news@gippsland - 5th February 2024 - Back to News

Farmers from around Australia will gather outside Parliament House today, (Tuesday, February 6,) alongside small businesses and residents of impacted communities, to warn about the inevitable rising food and energy prices under Labor's reckless race towards renewables. The National Rally Against Reckless Renewables is calling for the suspension of Labor's plans to rip up agricultural land, which will destroy farming communities and reduce the supply of food, therefore driving up food prices.

To achieve Labor's goals, 40 7MW wind turbines monthly and 22,000 500W solar panels daily are needed until 2030, while it neglects environment, social impact. Start afresh; jeopardises security, sustainability, affordability

Target impact and concerns

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said regional Australia was being forced to bear the brunt of inner-city ideology and regional communities were being destroyed as a result, with little consultation. "Labor is pursuing a reckless 82 per cent renewables target by 2030, which is driving up costs and threatening agricultural land, regional communities and native flora and fauna."

"We need to know how much agricultural land is earmarked, where is it earmarked and when will the projects be forced onto local communities? We also need to know how much these projects will cost taxpayers and what are the protection rights of property owners?"

"We have time to pause, to plan and to use common sense. Sadly, it's becoming obvious that renewables are losing their social licence because they are destroying the very thing they were designed to protect, including native vegetation and endangered species," Mr Littleproud said.

Labor's energy plan worries

For Labor to meet its targets, 40 7-megawatt wind turbines will need to be installed every month until 2030, while 22,000 five hundred-watt panels need to be installed every day, or 60 million by 2030. Labor will also require 34 times the current amount of utility-scale variable renewable energy in the national electricity market to meet its hydrogen export ambitions.

Victorian farmer Ben Duxson, who has 8500 merino sheep as well as canola, barley and wheat on his 5500-acre farm in Kanya, southern Wimmera, will attend the Canberra rally. "No one in our area wants anything to do with wind farms, solar or transmission lines, because we are farmers of food and fibre, not energy."

"Labor is not thinking about the environment or the social or financial impact and my message to Labor is 'start again'. Food and fibre security, sustainability and affordability are all in jeopardy if this plan goes ahead. We will fight against the reckless plan Labor has for Australia's energy sector," Mr Duxson said.

Energy rally concerns

National Rational Energy Group vice-chair and Kilkivan Action Group organiser Katy McCallum is also attending the rally, pleading with Labor to call for a Senate Inquiry, suspend harmful renewable projects and lift the ban on nuclear power. She believes skinks are in danger of becoming extinct if the $14.2 billion Borumba Pumped Hydro and the Forest Wind projects in Wide Bay, Queensland, goes ahead. "We are in the fight of our lives, things are bad up here."

"They are going to push this through and destroy our state because they can. We need a federal Senate Inquiry, this needs to stop. We need the message out there that the world knows what they are about to do. The skink is living up here and is in danger of becoming extinct but Labor has failed to list the skink in any assessment," Mrs McCallum said.

Skink conservation concerns

Mrs McCallum wrote a submission to Labor's Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek on November 15, 2023, writing in her concerns: "Alarmingly, we have been unable to locate any reference to the Nangur Spiny Skink in the literature we have so far located. We have serious concerns that this critically endangered species (listed under the EPBC Act and the NC Act) may live in areas where the transmission lines have been proposed. The loss of even one Nangur Skink, let alone a mating pair, would be criminal and attract international condemnation."

Mrs McCallum said it was a strange coincidence that on December 12, 2023, the Courier Mail then reported the Department of Environment had released 14 of the Nangur spiny skinks into the wild. "If the government is so concerned about skinks, they should halt the Borumba Pumped Hydro project. It is a huge worry and none of it adds up," Mrs McCallum said.

Pictures from David Littleproud MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Darren Chester supports reforming the Coalition to unite Liberals and Nationals and deliver stronger government for Australia
  Darren Chester welcomes the re-formed Coalition, united to hold Labor to account, focus on cost of living, families, regions and security, and develop sensible policies for a safer, stronger, fairer Australia.
• Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition.
• Darren Chester supports Tribunal decision to defend veterans' right, opposing Albanese government plan limiting Acts of Gallantry review
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will defend veterans' rights at a Senate inquiry, opposing the Albanese government's plan to impose a 20-year limit on reviewing acts of gallantry.
• Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
  Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads.
• Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
  Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users.
• Bass Coast launches energy resilient hubs and emergency dashboard to strengthen community preparedness and recovery
  Bass Coast Shire Council has launched Energy Resilient Community Hubs and an Emergency Dashboard to boost preparedness, strengthen local resilience, and keep communities safe, connected, and supported during emergencies and power outages.
• Martin Cameron urges Energy Minister to lift outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Minister Lily D'Ambrosio for refusing to review outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon, despite studies confirming land stability for development.
• Gippsland emerges as national hub for industrial hemp, boosting sustainable alternatives to timber
  Gippsland is gaining national attention as a hub for industrial hemp, with pilot projects, crop walks, and the Global Hemp Summit showcasing sustainable alternatives and regional economic opportunities.
• Bass Coast Council leaders advocating events, infrastructure, recreation, coastal protection, public transport, and environmental conservation
  Bass Coast Council leaders held 12 Parliament meetings, advocating for events, infrastructure, recreation, coastal protection, public transport, and environmental conservation, seeking government support and funding for key community projects.
• East Gippsland celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026, honouring everyday heroes strengthening local communities
  East Gippsland Shire celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026, recognising local volunteers’ extraordinary contributions and encouraging community members to get involved, with nominations open for the Volunteer Honour Roll all year.
• Gippsland Water celebrates National Water Week poster winners, honouring young regional artists’ achievements
  Gippsland Water announced its National Water Week poster winners, congratulating students for colourful submissions. Four placed in the state competition, with Heyfield Primary School winning $500 for STEM or sustainability projects.
• Darren Chester welcomes Aqua Energy redevelopment completion with modern aquatic, fitness, community facilities
  Darren Chester welcomed the upcoming completion of Aqua Energy's multi-million-dollar redevelopment in Sale, delivering modern pools and accessible facilities, boosting community health, sport, tourism, jobs, and long-term regional wellbeing.
• Danny O'Brien welcomes progress on Sealers Cove track repairs but slams years of Labor delays at Wilsons Prom
  Danny O'Brien welcomed long-overdue progress on Sealers Cove track repairs at Wilsons Prom but criticised Labor for years of delays, saying Gippsland deserves timely investment in vital tourism infrastructure and facilities.
• Darren Chester praises volunteers powering Traralgon International’s global success, showcasing Gippsland worldwide tennis event
  Federal MP Darren Chester has praised Latrobe Valley volunteers for driving the success of the Traralgon International, highlighting their dedication, community pride and vital role in showcasing Gippsland globally.
• Discover Tarra Bulga National Park’s ancient rainforest, towering ferns, Corrigan Suspension Bridge, lyrebirds, and lush Gippsland greenery
  Explore Tarra Bulga National Park’s ancient rainforest, towering ferns, and Corrigan Suspension Bridge, spot lyrebirds, enjoy walking trails, picnic areas, and nearby Gippsland towns, beaches, and rail trails.
• Gippsland CFA volunteers still wait for critical fire station upgrades amid $55M Labor funding cuts
  Gippsland CFA volunteers face years-long delays for safe, modern fire stations as Labor cuts $55 million, reducing equipment, compensation, and infrastructure, putting communities at risk and demanding urgent funding.
• Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
  A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity.
• South Gippsland Shire Council invites you to submit EOI for Coal Creek food vendor on Living Heritage Days by 14 February 2026
  Coal Creek seeks a local food and drink vendor for Living Heritage Days, held monthly from 7 March. Businesses can boost trade and connect with customers. Applications close 14 February.
• Explore Mitchell River National Park’s dramatic gorges, lush rainforest, and sacred Aboriginal sites on the Den of Nargun Loop Walk
  Discover Mitchell River National Park’s dramatic gorges, razorback ridges, and lush rainforest on the Den of Nargun Loop Walk, a sacred Aboriginal site northeast of Sale, 3¼ hours from Melbourne.
• Victoria’s crime crisis worsens as police numbers fall, offences rise, and station hours are reduced under Labor government
  Victoria’s crime crisis worsens under Labor with 368 fewer police, rising offences, unsolved cases, reduced station hours, and retail theft surging, prompting calls for proper resourcing and crime prevention.
• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• Melina Bath honours Wonthaggi Rotary Club for 32 years recognising volunteers and strengthening Eastern Victoria
  Melina Bath recognised Wonthaggi Rotary Club in parliament for 32 years celebrating local volunteers, presenting over 250 awards, and strengthening Eastern Victoria communities through service and dedication.
• Free Gippsland workshop with Tony Evans on maximising dairy effluent through composting and sustainability
  Gippsland dairy farmers are invited to a free workshop with Tony Evans on effluent management, exploring composting, fermentation, and biogas to boost sustainability, save money, and reduce reliance on external nutrients.
• Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
  Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption.
• Warragul Leisure Centre to receive $2.29M pool heating upgrade, cutting emissions and energy costs significantly
  Warragul Leisure Centre will receive a $2.29 million pool heating upgrade, funded by Council and government, cutting carbon emissions by 80% and saving approximately $308,000 in annual energy costs.
• Wellington Shire Council reopens $23M redeveloped Aqua Energy Leisure Centre, providing inclusive, modern and wellness facilities
  Wellington Shire Council has reopened the redeveloped $23 million Aqua Energy Leisure Centre in Sale, featuring inclusive aquatic, fitness, and wellness facilities, modern amenities, and accessible spaces for the whole community.
• Future of Orbost Project strengthens water access, supporting agricultural innovation and long-term regional growth
  The Future of Orbost Project supports farmers by clarifying water availability, facilitating licence transfers, and building resilience, driving innovation, productivity, diversification, and sustainable long-term growth in East Gippsland.