Document Actions
Bob Carr challenges new Premier to tackle coal addiction
Saturday 12 December 2009
On the eve of Walk Against Warming, Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has welcomed Bob Carr's advice to new Premier Kristina Kenneally to be bold with policy and make the shift away coal-fired power.
Read the transcript: ABC Lateline, 10 December, 2009
Ms Rhiannon will speak at the Newcastle Walk Against Warming tomorrow.
"Former premier Bob Carr is right on the money," Ms Rhiannon said.
"The new Premier Kristina Keneally could demonstrate she is no one's puppet if she moved decisively to transform NSW from a coal dependent dinosaur to a state which invests in renewable power.
"Mr Carr has presented the Premier with a lifeline for her government, the people in coal affected communities and the planet.
"The key to a healthy, jobs rich economy and a climate safe future is to wind back the coal industry.
"The focus should be on developing clear, green renewable energy supplies, from a mix of solar, wind, ocean, biomass and geothermal power.
"The evidence is in that clean, green energy industries can deliver massive jobs growth. It will also open up export contracts for wind and solar technologies.
"Premier Kenneally should call for a whole of government approach to developing a planned transition away from coal. This is the way to create jobs in manufacturing, installation, transport, maintenance and servicing and research and development.
"The NSW government, along with the Rudd government and the rest of the world, has a responsibility to take big steps to tackle runaway climate change.
"A small vision from the new Premier will rob NSW and its citizens of the climate safe future," Ms Rhiannon said.
For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568
