Liberal candidate for Collie-Preston Elysia Harverson has condemned the Labor Party’s decision to move away from fracking and towards renewable energy in the South West.
The Labor Party’s recent announcement to ban fracking in the South West is a big concern for the future of coal mining in the South West, according to Collie-Preston Liberal candidate Elysia Harverson.
Mrs Harverson said the plan for a 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030 would lead to the closure of Collie’s mines and power stations.
“This recent “ban” on gas mining in the South West is just the start of their ploy to ban all forms of mining in the South West,” Mrs Harverson said.
“Mick Murray’s eagerness to side with the Greens is disappointing and makes no sense coming from a man who claims to value coal mining. The Greens would love nothing more than to see every coal mine and power station in Collie close its doors,” Mrs Harverson said.
The fact remains that fracking in the South West has been ruled out by mining companies as the geology of the area is unsuitable.
“Either this is just another political stunt by a party with no plan for this region’s future, or it is a lead up to a total ban on mining in the South West, including coal mining,” she said.
“Proposing a ban is just lazy and shows Mr McGowan doesn’t have the smarts to run a government which makes the hard decisions.
“Coal mining is very important to families not only in the Collie, but the whole of the South West. The Collie mining and industry sector is important for the future of Australia and maintaining a cheap and reliable power source and I will fight to ensure Labor’s harmful policies are never implemented.
“This latest round of politics proves a future Labor Government and Mr Murray have made no commitment to this region’s future.”
