State Election 2020 - Questions to Candidates

Dear Candidate for State Seat of Noosa

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR DECISION TO STAND IN THE UPCOMING State ELECTION.

Zero Emissions Noosa Inc. was formed 3 years ago, with the goal of working with the Noosa community to deliver net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2026. We want to see the next State Member for Noosa hit the ground running, especially in developing and delivering electricity and transport emission reduction actions which respond to the grave issues of climate change confronting the planet.

Currently $77M leaves the shire every year in electricity costs, so we know that reduction in carbon emissions through energy efficiency and rooftop solar also pays financial dividends to businesses and households which go down that path. We want to keep that $77M in our shire, investing in our people and our businesses!

Rather than broad generalities, we are keen to present through our website, Facebook and newsletter, the specific responses from candidates to a series of policy proposals, particularly focussed on delivering a financially and environmentally smart and innovative Noosa region, one that can be a global leader on these critical issues.

The questions, together with brief notes can been seen below. If you wish, you can view a PDF of this information here.

We have set a limit of not more than 50 words per question.

We would be grateful if you could provide your responses by COB Sunday 18 October, when we will then publish in our newsletter. The ZEN website Candidate Answers Page will be updated progressively as we receive replies. We will alert other Facebook election pages with progressive and final answers.

Please contact us at info@zeroemissionsnoosa.com.au if you have any queries.

OPTION 1

You can enter your answers into a pre-filled email that we have prepared by clicking the link below

Email your answers to Zero Emissions Noosa

OPTION 2

Fill in the form below.

Please note that this form should be completed in its entirety in a single session. Your answers will only be saved once you click the SUBMIT button. As an integrity check, once we receive your answers we will email you to confirm it was indeed you who gave the answers!

Candidate Name

1. ATTITUDE TOWARD CLEAN TRANSPORT

A. Do you agree that switching from car-based transport to active (cycling/walking) transport wherever possible is a top priority? B. If no, why not? C. If yes, as the MP for Noosa how will you work to speed this transition?

2. SPECIFIC SUPPORT FOR PEDAL TRANSPORT (BIKES)

A. Do you agree that bike transport relieves congestion, reduces demand for parking, boosts local business, and improves public health? B. If no, why not? C. If yes, as the MP for Noosa how will you work to accelerate the growth of cycle transport?

3. SUPPORT FOR QUEENSLAND RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGET

A. Do you believe that the Queensland Government’s current target of 50% of grid electricity from renewable energy sources by 2050 is sufficiently ambitious? B. If no, why not? Too ambitious or not ambitious enough? C. If yes, as the MP for Noosa how will you work to make sure this target is achievable?

4. SUPPORT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL UPGRADE AGREEMENTS

An Environmental Upgrade Agreement encourages a building owner to improve the energy, water, and materials efficiency of an existing building by reducing the cost and risk of the necessary work. An EUA facilitates a loan to a business (and, in Victoria, a household) from an external source, so there is no upfront cost to the building owner for this upgrade. The loan then attaches to the property and is repaid through council rates over periods of up to 20 years. Individual councils decide whether or not to participate. No financial contribution is required from either the State Government or Councils. The introduction of EUAs in Queensland requires amending state legislation. A. Do you support the introduction of EUAs in Queensland? B. If no, why not? C. If yes, as the MP for Noosa how will you work to ensure that legislation enabling EUAs is passed in the first year of the new Queensland Government?

5. SUPPORT FOR SOLAR FOR RENTERS

A. People who rent their accommodation are denied access to cheap solar electricity. Do you agree that renters should have access to solar power? B. If no, why not? C. If yes, as the MP for Noosa what will you do to make sure renters have equal access to solar with owner-occupied households?

6. SUPPORT FOR NOOSA COUNCIL & ZEN INC EMISSIONS TARGETS

Noosa Council has a target of zero net Council greenhouse gas emissions by 2026. Zero Emissions Noosa Inc. has a target of zero net community greenhouse gases by 2026. A. Do you agree with these policies? B. If no, why not? C. If yes, as the MP for Noosa what will you do to assist the Noosa Community to meet this target?

7. ENDING STATE SUBSIDIES FOR FOSSIL FUELS

A. Do you agree that the Queensland Government should rule out the construction of any new or expanded fossil-fueled electricity generators? B. If no, why not? C. If yes, as the MP for Noosa how will you help ensure this policy is adopted?

8. SUPPORT FOR LOCAL POWER PLANS

Over the next few decades, Australia’s electricity system will be transformed to one reliant entirely on clean electricity. Local communities can play a big role by implementing electricity generation, storage, and distribution plans compatible with their local environments and consumption patterns. A. Do you support local projects to coordinate, fund, control, and interact with the larger state and national electricity grids, and will you work to ensure the implementation of local projects in the Queensland electorate of Noosa? B. If no, why not? C. If yes, what will you as the Member for Noosa do assist the prompt implementation of local power plans?

ZEN QUESTIONS TO CANDIDATES

1. ATTITUDE TOWARD CLEAN TRANSPORT

A. Do you agree that switching from car-based transport to active (cycling/walking) transport wherever possible is a top priority?
B. If no, why not?
C. If yes, as the MP for Noosa how will you work to speed this transition?

2. SPECIFIC SUPPORT FOR PEDAL TRANSPORT (BIKES)

A. Do you agree that bike transport relieves congestion, reduces demand for parking, boosts local business, and improves public health?
B. If no, why not?
C. If yes, as the MP for Noosa how will you work to accelerate the growth of cycle transport?

3. SUPPORT FOR QUEENSLAND RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGET

A. Do you believe that the Queensland Government’s current target of 50% of grid electricity from renewable energy sources by 2050 is sufficiently ambitious?
B. If no, why not? Too ambitious or not ambitious enough?
C. If yes, as the MP for Noosa how will you work to make sure this target is achievable?

4. SUPPORT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL UPGRADE AGREEMENTS

An Environmental Upgrade Agreement encourages a building owner to improve the energy, water, and materials efficiency of an existing building by reducing the cost and risk of the necessary work. An EUA facilitates a loan to a business (and, in Victoria, a household) from an external source, so there is no upfront cost to the building owner for this upgrade. The loan then attaches to the property and is repaid through council rates over periods of up to 20 years. Individual councils decide whether or not to participate. No financial contribution is required from either the State Government or Councils. The introduction of EUAs in Queensland requires amending state legislation.

A. Do you support the introduction of EUAs in Queensland?
B. If no, why not?
C. If yes, as the MP for Noosa how will you work to ensure that legislation enabling EUAs is passed in the first year of the new Queensland Government?

5. SUPPORT FOR SOLAR FOR RENTERS

A. People who rent their accommodation are denied access to cheap solar electricity. Do you agree that renters should have access to solar power?
B. If no, why not?
C. If yes, as the MP for Noosa what will you do to make sure renters have equal access to solar with owner-occupied households?

6. SUPPORT FOR NOOSA COUNCIL & ZEN INC EMISSIONS TARGETS

Noosa Council has a target of zero net Council greenhouse gas emissions by 2026. Zero Emissions Noosa Inc. has a target of zero net community greenhouse gases by 2026.

A. Do you agree with these policies?
B. If no, why not?
C. If yes, as the MP for Noosa what will you do to assist the Noosa Community to meet this target?

7. ENDING STATE SUBSIDIES FOR FOSSIL FUELS

A. Do you agree that the Queensland Government should rule out the construction of any new or expanded fossil-fueled electricity generators?
B. If no, why not?
C. If yes, as the MP for Noosa how will you help ensure this policy is adopted?

8. SUPPORT FOR LOCAL POWER PLANS

Over the next few decades, Australia’s electricity system will be transformed to one reliant entirely on clean electricity. Local communities can play a big role by implementing electricity generation, storage, and distribution plans compatible with their local environments and consumption patterns.

A. Do you support local projects to coordinate, fund, control, and interact with the larger state and national electricity grids, and will you work to ensure the implementation of local projects in the Queensland electorate of Noosa?
B. If no, why not?
C. If yes, what will you as the Member for Noosa do assist the prompt implementation of local power plans?