The problem for mid north coast residents is that this action will actually result in higher electricity prices, the exact thing these people claim to be against. Here’s why they have it wrong:

1) Nine coal-fired power stations have closed since 2012.  This increases the market concentration for the remaining coal power stations. Basic economics tells us this lack of competition = higher electricity prices.

2) An emissions intensity scheme would cost the carbon pollution coming from each power plant, with dirty brown coal paying more than black coal, which pays more than gas.  (Renewables would not be liable since they are a clean source of generation). This makes power from gas and renewables cheaper than from coal, and so more gas and renewable energy plants would be built.

3) It would provide the pathway we need to lower electricity prices and lower carbon emissions to meet the Paris Climate Agreement targets the government signed up to a year ago. (There is currently no way at all the government can meet these targets - planting a few trees is simply not enough).

4) Without a national energy plan, there is no certainty for investors, and already there is a lack of forward commitment to building new power plants, which we need as we grow our economy. This puts us back to point number (1) – the market concentration for the remaining coal power stations, the lack of competition, and higher electricity prices.

It’s a vicious cycle backed by the National Party and some Liberals who support the coal industry, at any cost it seems.  They don’t care about electricity prices or climate change. What they want is the chance to attack Labor on these issues.

Do people think we are getting a good deal now, from the current system? Probably not, and it’s because the electricity market is dominated by coal power. We need to call them out, by ringing their offices, by going to see them while there is still time to get a National Energy Plan in place as part of the 2017 policy review.

To join us in fighting for a safe climate, clean energy, and lower electricity prices, go to www.climatechangehastings.org.au

Harry Creamer, president

Climate Change Australia Hastings

On behalf of Cancer Council NSW, I would like to thank the dedicated communities of Lower Mid North Coast for showing their support for Cancer Council’s Eat It To Beat It program throughout Term 4, 2016. Schools in the Lower Mid North Coast showed incredible initiative by hosting Healthy Lunch Box Presentations which work to support parents with healthy food ideas in their kindergarten orientations between October and December. As this is a volunteer run program, I would also like to thank the individuals who gave their time to deliver these very important sessions.  

Eat It To Beat It works with schools and parents to provide practical, budget-friendly ways to help families understand why fruit and vegetables are so important and to get the whole household eating more.

Alarmingly on the Mid North Coast, 93 per cent of adults don’t eat enough vegetables, while 40 per cent don’t eat enough fruit.

With one third of all cancers could be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, including eating well, being active and maintaining a healthy weight, this program can have a great impact on the community.

Congratulations to the 27 schools in the Lower Mid North Coast who have hosted a workshop, reaching 350 parents.

Juanita Nantes

Cancer Council NSW