25th Jun 2014, 4:00 PM – Senate Motions - Solar Energy - NSW Solar Energy eXchange Initiative

The majority voted against a motion introduced by Tasmanian Senator Christine Milne (Greens), which means it failed.

Motion text

That the Senate—

(a) acknowledges the proposal to build community-scale solar thermal plants and install solar photovoltaic panels in western New South Wales, known as the Solar Energy eXchange Initiative (the Initiative), has received in-principle support from 22 councils in the target area, including the unincorporated area;

(b) notes the Initiative would boost local economies, create local jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce the need for investment in transmission and distribution infrastructure and, in the long run, reduce power bills;

(c) supports those councils involved in the Initiative and the value that such projects can bring to long-term energy security and the economy in New South Wales; and

(d) encourages all levels of government to work cooperatively to see plans such as the Initiative harness the power of the sun in inland New South Wales to the benefit of ratepayers and residents, the economy and the environment.