One day in the not too distant future the Liberals will realise that renewable energy is big business and will fall in love with it.
For now the Liberals’ Andrew Wall is desperately trying to dare Simon Corbell into throwing out his aces in the Uriarra Village solar power poker game:
Member for Brindabella Andrew Wall will today stand up for residents of Uriarra Village who don’t want a large scale solar development built near their homes.
“I will run a motion in the Assembly calling on Simon Corbell not to use call in powers to approve the controversial proposal metres from houses at Uriarra Village, effectively silencing local concerns,” Mr Wall said today.
“This project is causing great concern among residents and they have the right to see the full Development Application process run its course.
“Unfortunately Simon Corbell has a poor track record when it comes to using call in powers on controversial developments in the ACT, and it would be a great insult to the ratepayers and taxpayers of Uriarra Village if they did not get the opportunity to raise their concerns about the social, financial and environmental impacts of this project in the DA process.
“I call on the ACT Government, and particularly the ACT Greens Minister Shane Rattenbury, to support the motion I will move in the Assembly, and allow residents their say on a project that could potentially have a very negative impact on their lives,” Mr Wall concluded.
UPDATE: Andrew is expressing disappointment that his motion has not been looked kindly upon by the rest of the Assembly.
FURTHER UPDATE: Simon Corbell is claiming vindication in victory.
ANOTHER UPDATE: The Greens Shane Rattenbury is bemused the Liberals didn’t take up his offer of support on this issue:
ACT Green MLA Shane Rattenbury has today expressed disappointment that the Canberra Liberals and the ALP did not support his call that the Government not use call–in powers relation to the solar farm proposal at Uriarra.
“I was particularly surprised that the Liberal Party couldn’t support my call today – they came into the Assembly today saying they didn’t want the Government to use call-in powers in relation to this project, but walked out without supporting my amendment.