MORE JOBS TO GO AS SWANBANK CLOSES

Media Release

Bundamba MP Jo-Ann Miller says 33 local families will face a bleak 2015 as local power station Swanbank closes its doors at the end of the year.

Mrs Miller said the jobs were the latest in the relentless, on-going campaign of axing jobs and services by the Newman government as the Premier and Treasurer geared up for a wholesale program of asset sales.

“The decision to ‘mothball’ Swanbank for the next three years from October this year follows the appointment by the Newman Government of financial consultant Lazard to prepare the State’s power stations for sale with a sale scoping study due next month,” Mrs Miller said.

“The term ‘scoping sale’ is shorthand for asset sales."

“And this closure and potential asset sale is not only devastating news for 33 people and their families who will lose jobs but is also deeply short-sighted on behalf of the Treasurer and Premier."

“Within the last six months Stanwell have said that Swanbank E is one of the most environmentally friendly and efficiently run power stations in the nation, as well as an important local employer supporting 40 jobs." 

“The Newman government must now explain why they are mothballing one of their most efficient power stations for the next three years."

“We have already seen the Treasurer endorse a report from Infrastructure Partnerships Australia calling for the sale of Swanbank E which says it is worth between $462 million and $654.5 million." 

“This report supported by the Treasurer recommended the sale of $48 billion in electricity assets."

“This decision has wide-ranging ramifications for the community and for families."

“The closure of Swanbank E will drive up the spot price for electricity during periods of peak demand driving up private sector profits and power bills for Queensland families."

“Queenslanders can’t afford any further power price increases with bills going up by a record 22.6% this financial year or - $268 on average."

“The Treasurer, who is cooling his heels at a retreat in the Gold Coast Hinterland, needs to come out today and explain why this station is closing, why he is sacking more workers and how will he curb already spiralling electricity prices."

“His colleagues, local MPs Ian Berry and Sean Choat are on this retreat with him and I challenge them to come out also and explain to Ipswich how they can stand by why more jobs go.”