Cabinet reshuffle promises clean energy reset

The Prime Minister’s decision to give one minister both the environment and energy portfolios offers an opportunity to recharge Australia’s renewable energy sector, the Australian Wind Alliance says.

National co-ordinator Andrew Bray says the appointment of Josh Frydenberg as environment and energy minister is a welcome move.

 

"Combining the environment and energy portfolios puts clean, renewable energy at the centre of Australia's energy future,” Mr Bray said.  

 

"With wind and solar securing their place as this century's cheapest and cleanest sources of power, the incoming minister has the opportunity to set in place clear steps to transition Australia to 100 per cent renewable energy as quickly as possible.”

 

Mr Bray says the incoming minister will be judged on his success in cementing renewable energy's place in Australia's energy mix.

 

"Minister Frydenberg will need to resist calls for delay from the anti-renewable elements of the Coalition and ensure that Australia transitions to clean energy in the most efficient way possible,” he said.

 

"Regional communities across the country will be looking to the minister to provide long term certainty for wind farm development in their areas.

 

"The most urgent priority for the new minister must be restoring certainty in the Renewable Energy Target and extending it beyond the current 2020 end date.”

The Australian Wind Alliance is a community-based advocacy group of farmers, wind workers, small businesses and residents. We share a common vision of harnessing Australia’s world-class wind resources to power our homes, cities and industries with clean renewable energy. Go to www.windalliance.org.au for details.