[Greens-Media] Petrol bowser pricing: peak oil begs better protection

[Alison Orme]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - Media Release  - 16 April 2008

Petrol bowser pricing: peak oil begs better protection

NSW Greens MP Lee Rhiannon says the PM's plan for 'FuelWatch' is just the start of what is needed from federal and state government's to effectively respond to the onset of 'peak oil'. 

"Failing to plan for the onset of peak oil will bring not only rocketing petrol prices but also higher food prices, global insecurity, disruptions to financial markets and the heightening of existing social inequities," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The NSW government must heed the warning bells being rung by energy experts, the CEOs of oil and car companies, scientists and economists and act now to mitigate the impact of peak oil.

Ms Rhiannon is calling on Premier Iemma to establish a Peak Oil Taskforce to devise strategies for how NSW can survive the impact of peak oil, following in the footsteps of QLD, WA and SA. Ms Rhiannon's 'Peak Oil Response Plan Bill 2008' will be introduced when NSW Parliament next sits.

"The end of oil will have a seismic affect and there's no room for institutional denial.

"Premier Iemma must reject the direction of MPs like Treasurer Michael Costa who is continuing the government's love affair with the mining, coal and road building industries.

"The Greens' bill would set up a taskforce to inquire into and assess the likely negative impacts of peak oil on NSW, holding public hearings and inviting submissions. 

"We also propose a moratorium on the construction of large oil based infrastructure during the period of the taskforce's work.

"The taskforce would help develop a plan to achieve reductions in petroleum and other oil based fuels and a strategy to deal with sudden fuel emergencies. 

"Another key task is to examine the disproportionate effect of peak oil on disadvantaged, regional and rural communities, alternative fuels and food pricing and availability.

"There can be no 'business as usual' approach when it comes to peak oil. We need immediate action from the NSW government to minimise the impacts of the transition to a low oil economy," Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568


Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Wed-Fri)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au