Jamie Chaffey (Parkes, National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Agriculture) Share this | Hansard source

I'm proud to stand here today as a member of the party that is putting Australians first. In my electorate of Parkes, covering half of New South Wales, I often hear firsthand the stories of exactly what the rapidly escalating cost of living means to families. My heart is with the people of this vast electorate, who often struggle against the odds just to remain on the land. In recent years, some of these communities and their families have had the added pressure, conflict and financial impact that can come with living in a renewable energy zone. They are caught up in arbitrary boundaries that are earmarked to carry the burden of the race towards the unattainable target of net zero.

Net zero might be a great-sounding concept to some but, for those facing the prospect of giant transmission towers or wind turbines or solar panels parading across the land that has been in their family for generations, this infrastructure will impact livelihoods, is dividing families and neighbours and it has an impact on the environment.

I am not against wind, solar and battery projects and I am all for reducing emissions but net zero is not the way to do it. It clusters industrial-sized developments in small communities that are ill-prepared and sometimes ill-suited for the proposals. It is causing headaches, friction and stress. To add to these concerns—

A division having been called in the House of Representatives—

It causes headaches, friction and stress.

To add to these concerns, the Australian Energy Market Operator sent out a release in June 2024 that showed plans to expand New South Wales's five renewable energy zones to 12. This includes among the most prime agricultural land in north-west New South Wales, covering Moree, Narrabri, potentially Gunnedah—some of the best agricultural land the country has to offer—and Broken Hill. As I said, there may be some solar, wind or battery projects that are ideal for these regions. But making these communities a renewable energy zone means they face the potential inundation of industrial-size projects. It's a huge black cloud on the horizon for the Parkes electorate.

The Nationals are putting Australia first. With cheaper electricity, secure jobs and lower emissions, our way forward is cheaper, better and fairer. The Albanese Labor government's net zero plan is an impossible task that puts the burden squarely and unfairly on regional Australians.

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