I write in response to Charles Hemmings’ comments “No immediate solution to energy woes” (Forum CCN 492).
You’re right Charles about taking time to reach 100% renewable energy, although the ACT has already achieved this and SA is well on the way.
The question is who has let down the citizens of NSW, let alone those on the Central Coast?
The reality check you allude to is not our problem – it is the problem of industry and government.
Our concern is the forgotten health issues of those living near the coal-fired power stations which is more important than lighting candles.
For decades consecutive governments and the fossil fuel industry have known that the power stations had a limited lifespan.
Profits have been the driving force by power station owners for keeping these antiquated facilities operational.
Former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian sold Vales Point Power Station, its lands and coal mines for the bargain basement price of $1M to billionaires Trevor St Baker and Brian Flannery, knowing the proverbial was about to hit the fan.
Thanks to our Glad, these two savvy men hung onto Vales Point for a handful of years whilst collecting massive dividends.
They then on-sold it to a Czech Republic Investment Group owned by another billionaire for a reported $200M.
At that time Gladys and her government were not concerned about the future of our energy supply.
It is only now because of community demand and industry investment in renewables and batteries that the NSW government has become concerned.
It’s called a looming 2027 State election.
In the meantime, residents living around the coal-fired power stations (Vales Point, Eraring, Lake Munmorah) have been suffering with massive chronic health conditions believed to be from emissions and coal ash dust.
Some suburbs, such as Budgewoi, have head and neck cancers at 102% above the Australian average with Mesothelioma reaching up to 83% AAA. (Australian Cancer Atlas & Australian Bureau of Statistics).
About 16.9% of the population on the Central Coast suffer with three or more chronic health conditions.
These are life threatening diseases.
Asthma has reached 15.3%.
Brain cancer is becoming more prevalent in our school children and young adults.
These are the reasons why Future Sooner is calling for the coal-fired power stations to close on or before their agreed closure dates, not because we think the industry or government has the answers.
Email, June 28
Gary Blaschke, Future Sooner spokesperson
I agree with the Governments policy on roof top solar panels.They will find it hard to convince people to go solar if they let the power supply companies to rip panel owners Off with their pricing policies of high rates for supply and a very small input tariff.