Wellington Climate Action Network

Darren Chester refuses to talk to community groups who have unanswered questions about Coalition policies that are critical issues for Gippslanders concerned about their children’s future. It is unacceptable that he claims to represent the interests of all Gippslanders yet he will not talk to anyone with different views. We need answers to make an informed vote. NB: our focus is on Coalition plans rather than Darren Chester's personal views or Nationals policy since it will be the Coalition's policies driving actions on these issues AND he is not allowed, by party rules, to vote against them. ​

Nuclear Power Plant At Loy Yang:

• When will Loy Yang deliver its first nuclear power to the grid?

• When will we see large-scale jobs arising from nuclear? 

• With current water flows allocated for several decades to make brown coal pits safe, where will nuclear cooling water come from?

• How will this impact agriculture worth $2b in Gippsland? 

• What is your estimated cost to extend coal use for 10-15 years? 

• What is the targeted wholesale cost of nuclear electricity, relative to that from renewables?

• What funds have you allocated to compensate homeowners for expected big falls in housing prices near nuclear power stations?

• With 60-200 tonnes of hot nuclear waste generated each year at Loy Yang, how long will this  nuclear waste be stored on-site?

Renewable Energy: 

• You plan to have 57% renewables and 38% nuclear in 2050 yet renewables will meet  >95% of demand by 2035; how will you scale back renewables to make room for nuclear? 

• How will this impact homeowners use of solar panels, batteries and EVs?

• How will this imapct the tens of thousands of renewable energy jobs?

• How is your policy on the role of offshore wind farms?

Emissions Reduction/Net Zero 2050

• Will the Coalition meet our obligation to declare a binding 2035 NDC emissions target before the end of the year?

• What is the Coalition policy for emissions reduction before nuclear arrives?

• What is the Coalition policy for sectors other than electricity?

• What estimates does the Coalition have for the increased CO2E emissions from its gas policy?

• ​How will the Coalition deal with the estimated 2 billion tonnes of increased CO2e emissions from extending coal?

Environment:

• Will you include a climate trigger in a reformed EPBC act?

• What are the Coalition's plans for the Safeguard Mechanism?

Climate Change Adaption & Mitigation:

• The Insurance Council have listed as 80 suburbs as uninsurable and identified climate adaptation projects costing $37 billion. How are these to be funded? 

• What is the Coalition policy on carbon abatement, especially via re-afforestation?

• How will you fund climate change preparedness and mitigation efforts?

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Authorised by John Gwyther of 311A Ryans Rd, Coongulla, 3860