State Member for Mirani, Glen Kelly MP, and Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry MP, are calling for Twiggy Forrest to contribute more into the Marlborough-Sarina Road repairs following his visit to Central Queensland last week.
Twiggy Forrest was in Central Queensland last week to spruik the opening of Stage 1 of the Clarke Creek Wind Farm.
While here Twiggy described renewables as the lowest cost of energy ever, stating that it was cheaper than dragging logs up to your cave and lighting a fire as a caveman.
Mr Kelly said that if renewables are so cheap Twiggy is set to make a lot of money out of the wind farm and should be putting more into fixing the Marlborough-Sarina Road.
“When I go up into the communities of Clarke Creek and Lotus Creek the biggest complaint that I get is the state of the road since the turbines started coming onto the Clarke Creek site,” Mr Kelly said.
“With power prices having continually gone up over the last few years, if wind energy is so cheap Mr Forrest will be making a lot of money out of the Clarke Creek Wind Farm and he should be paying to fix the damage to the road that was done from the heavy turbines being carted along it.
“The road is a critical route for cattle trucks, and a school bus route as well and with the state that it’s been in because of these turbines people are taking their lives into their own hands driving along it.
“While Squadron has contributed just under $2 million toward road maintenance, the reality is that the number of potholes and the condition of the road show this won’t be enough to offset the additional wear and tear caused by project traffic.
“If Squadron wants to maintain a genuine social licence in our community, it needs to look beyond short-term grants and focus on leaving a lasting legacy that delivers real, long-term benefits for locals well after the wind farm reaches the end of its life.”
Ms Landry said, “The condition of the local roads because of reckless renewables policy is exacerbated due to the funding cuts from the Albanese Labor Government, as well as Labor’s proposal to cut the speed limits on unsealed roads to just 70km/h” Ms Landry said.
“Capricornia is the beating heart of Australia’s economy, but we are treated like second class citizens. Federal Labor and major project owners like Twiggy Forrest have an obligation to protect the lives of every person commuting these roads by keeping them in good condition. The people of our region deserve respect and their fair share.” Ms Landry said.
The Marlborough Sarina Road is the main road that was used for the final stretch of delivery of the turbines for stage 1 of Clarke Creek Wind Farm. It’s also the main route for stage 2 of Clark Creek, Lotus Creek Wind Farm, and Broadsound Solar Farm with AC Energy announcing next weeks for plans for the Croydon Solar Farm on the road as well.
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