"Serious" solar subsidies needed in QLD

23rd Aug 2011

The federal government should do more to encourage take-up of solar panel installations in regional areas of Queensland, one local leader has asserted.

Speaking to the ABC, mayor Annie Clarke of the Burke Shire Council said that authorities in more remote locations "cannot do it on our own" when it comes to solar projects.

At the next meeting of councils, which will be held in October, she intends to introduce a resolution which could see shires not connected to the national electricity grid receive greater compensation.

A 50 per cent rebate, she argued, would ease the cost burden on people who live in regional and remote parts of Australia.

Clarke, who has championed solar energy for 16 years, said that regional councils are keen to embrace solar projects, but are deterred by the overwhelming costs associated with storing and distributing power.

She said: "We certainly cannot do it on our own."

However, she added that Burke Shire Council would like to be "part of a flagship program up in our part of the world" that would see better take-up of green energy.

Last month, the Sunshine Coast Council voted unanimously for the construction of a solar farm in the community of Valdora, which could see up to 2,500 new homes in the area powered by the sun.

The solar farm is part of the council's goal of becoming completely carbon-neutral – the region aims to be the low-carbon capital of Queensland by 2020 by encouraging the installation of more rooftop solar photovoltaic panels on public buildings – including libraries and visitor centres.

In addition, individuals who are keen to generate their own electricity with a roof-mounted solar system no longer need to get planning approval from the council, as the authority wants to make the installations as straightforward as possible.

Recent figures from the Clean Energy Council suggest that up to 89 per cent of Australians are keen to adopt energy-saving measures.

The research, which was carried out for the council by Auspoll, also indicated that the majority of people are interested in learning more about the various ways they can cut their energy consumption and reduce their carbon footprint.

Some 73 per cent of people indicated they wanted more education about their green options, while 57 per cent were not aware of the various government initiatives – including solar credits and feed-in tariffs – currently available to members of the public.

All solar power news categories

Government Rebate & Regulations
Solar Power & Technology


More Government Rebate & Regulations

The election that could cast a deep shadow on solar power
This just in: You are nothing but a means to profit for big utilities and NSW government
The Tongans know a bad solar deal when they see one
Solar feed-in tariffs: Who's getting screwed?
Australian government at a solar power crossroads
WA government admits fault in solar rebate debacle
WA Government saves millions while solar customers are up in arms
SA's solar feed-in scheme costs to rise higher
CEC slams FIT deregulation in SA
Carbon tax announcement 'just a ripple'
Industry reactions to Rudd carbon price changes
New government 'must be made aware of renewable achievements'
Solar features prominently in ARENA funding plans
Calling all solar panel installers - 'save clean technology grants'
Manufacturers set to see bright side of economic slump?
Coalition government 'could spell bad news for solar'
'Not FIT for purpose' - ACT government on tariffs
QLD government under fire for negative solar stance
China's first trading emissions scheme begins
Details of the Queensland solar controversy
Solar panel reprieve for Queensland
Tasmania's solar future no longer too uncertain
Renewable energy funding on the brink
The Clean Energy Council calls for more renewables
Reactions to renewable energy decisions from the 2013-14 federal budget
Federal budget announcement offers a mixed bag
The impact of the carbon tax
Govt energy efficiency success
Renewable Energy Target achievements
New funding for solar panels
Australia and China further carbon cutting collaboration
Examining Australia's environmental efforts
Renewable Energy Target survives its review
Solar powered cinema a possibility
New licensing will make it easier for solar installers to work across states
Renewable recommendations for WA
Renewable energy target hangs in the balance
Deadline approaching for QLD PV installations under 44 cent solar tariff
Electricity emissions down since carbon tax introduced
Reactions to RET review final report mixed
CCA: RET on track to achieve goals
Experts slam Solar Credits decision
Government support 'needed for commercial solar development'
Shadow ministers slam ARENA withdrawal
Industry expert lauds solar PV impact
Australian Solar Council chief hits back at CCA review suggestion
Australian Solar Council debuts solar electorate map
CCA report 'victory for common sense'
Productivity Commission draft 'good for solar'
SA solar campaign reaches government level
 To get your quotes, please enter your postcode: