Energy plan launched in Grafton

IN THE wake of the Federal Government successfully passing its Clean Energy Future bill last week, the NSW Greens are now calling for the state to adopt its own clean energy plan.

Greens candidate for Clarence Janet Cavanaugh and Greens Upper House MP Dr John Kaye yesterday launched their party's Towards A Zero Carbon NSW plan in Grafton.

Dr Kaye said the plan aimed to shift the state towards renewable energy which he said would create employment in the renewable energy sector while helping to reduce carbon emissions.

The plan calls for a statewide ban on coal-fired power stations, restoring a feed-in tariff for roof- top solar systems to a rate of one for one and putting a halt to coal seam gas mining.

Ms Cavanaugh said the future of local employment lay in renewable energy technology.

"Turning NSW over to coal and gas mining will destroy jobs in the long run. The future of the Clarence has to be with the clean industries that will grow rapidly with the right state support," Ms Cavanaugh said.

Greg Schubert from Northern Rivers Renewable Energy welcomed the plan, particularly the proposal for a one-for-one feed-in tariff rate for solar systems.

He said the government's decision to remove feed-in tariffs was hurting businesses like his and had stagnated investment.