The Greens have declared their support for a controversial multibillion-dollar renewable energy project that has inflamed passions and divided a state.
Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton trashed the project in a visit to Mackay, calling it a “thought bubble” from the former premier, and state LNP leader David Crisafulli has labelled the scheme a “hoax”. But Queensland Greens senator Larissa Waters told NCA NewsWire this week that the party backed the project “in principle” as a means to meet renewable energy targets and address the “climate crisis”.
“Furthermore, should significant new, compelling information about unacceptable ecological, cultural or social impacts emerge, then we would of course reconsider our support.” “Like all projects, renewable energy and storage must go through proper environmental assessment processes to determine whether they are the right fit for the location, alongside community consultation to ensure locals can have a say and hear the benefits of the project.
Anthony Albanese also backs the project, calling it “visionary” on a 2023 whistlestop tour of Mackay.