NFF president Fiona Simson.

THE Federal Government’s review of climate change policies must ensure the country has a smooth, affordable and reliable energy plan, the National Farmers Federation said today.

National Farmers’ Federation president Fiona Simson welcomed the government’s announcement of a review of climate change policies, but said the government must ensure energy security and affordability are front and centre considerations of the review. The NFF expected to make a “solid” contribution to the Review of Climate Policies.

“Our revised climate policy released only last week clearly articulates it is critical that the suite of Government policies that seek to address the challenge of climate change are fully examined, to ensure the policy levers of Ggovernment work cohesively to achieve our national objectives.

“A long term consistent approach to climate and energy policy is crucial for Australian business and industry,” she said.

Ms Simson said the NFF recognised that climate change posed a significant challenge for Australian farmers.

“As a nation, we must act to ensure that our economy is well placed to cost efficiently reduce our national greenhouse gas emissions profile.

“Given that around one third of our national emissions are from electricity generation, as our energy mix changes, we must ensure we have a national plan to ensure a smooth, affordable and reliable transition,” she said.

Ms Simson said that a co-ordinated national strategy is necessary to ensure access to affordable, reliable sources of energy and that Australian agriculture and downstream value adding sectors remain internationally competitive.

“The NFF recognises that Australia’s energy mix needs to change as existing generation assets reach the end of their useful lives and also in order to meet the Paris Commitment and beyond.

“We have seen that the extractive industry has, in many parts of Australia, not engaged with the community as well as they might have and failed to provide confidence they can act responsibly, with Governments acting to restrict development in many states,’ she said.

“To ensure that we will have reliable and affordable energy it is paramount that this confidence is rebuilt.

“This means companies engaging with the farming community, acting responsibly, and negotiating fairly,” she said.

“They need to make sure that their practices do not damage the precious land and water resources on which farmers rely to feed the nation and the world.

“Governments too need to act to ensure that we are investing in the best science so that we make sure that developments happen in the right place and in the right way – to prevent irreversible damage to agricultural land and water resources,” Ms Simson said.

“With COAG to receive the Finkel Review in the coming weeks, we expect Governments to act collectively in the best interests of the Nation and set a clear and agreed path for the future.”

Source: NFF.