Federal Member for Flynn, Colin Boyce will host guest speaker, Steven Nowakowski for an open discussion on Central Queensland's energy future - including wind, solar, coal-fired power and nuclear.
Mr Boyce said it is an important opportunity for the communities of Gladstone, Biloela, and Gracemere to have their say about the future of energy in their region.
"A recent HaveYourSay survey published by the Office of the Australian Energy infrastructure Commission revealed that 83% of landholders and community participants harbor scepticism about the local community benefiting from large-scale renewable energy projects," Mr Boyce said.
"Additionally, data from my Flynn Biggest Survey last year indicated that over 68% of respondents expressed inclination to supporting the integration of nuclear energy into Australia's future energy portfolio.
"With the Federal Government's 82% renewable electricity by 2030 target, we are feeling the brunt of rapid expansion of large-scale renewables across Central Queensland. Community engagement on this subject is becoming increasingly imperative.
"While the necessity for reliable baseload power is acknowledged, the most effective means of attaining it remains a topic of contention.
"Amidst the prevalent media coverage highlighting the potential advantages of mass-scale renewable energy projects (including wind, solar, pumped hydro, and associated transmission initiatives), there arises questions such as: are we inadvertently causing harm to our ecosystems through the widespread implementation of expansive solar and wind developments? Should this be at the expense of our prime agricultural land?
"Mr Nowakowski has been invited to share his insights on this issue, including his concerns that the hurried deployment of large-scale wind and solar projects might lead to the degradation of high biodiversity landscapes and loss of wildlife, concerns that I share."
The event will be held from 5-7pm at the following locations:
GLADSTONE: Thursday 18th April, in the function room upstairs at The Oaks Grand Hotel.
BILOELA: Friday 19th April at the Biloela Anzac Memorial Club
GRACEMERE: Saturday 20th April at the Gracemere Community Centre
