Moncrieff Media
Gold Coasters robbed of $8,000 solar panel rebates, as Labor axes programme
16 June 2009
In a shock decision, Kevin Rudd has axed the $8,000 solar panel government rebate, meaning hundreds of Gold Coasters may now miss out on the cash incentive, local MP Steven Ciobo said.
In just 24 hours, Labor revealed it has axed the $8,000 government rebate, effective from tonight, leaving local solar businesses and consumers concerned.
“Gold Coast mums and dads who have ordered solar panels for their home, but have not applied for the $8,000 government rebate, will now miss out as Labor has axed the grant,” Mr Ciobo said.
“Local solar businesses are now concerned their customers will cancel their orders because they can’t access the $8,000 government rebate, despite Labor promises it would exist until 30 June.
“Within hours of Labor’s shock decision, I received numerous phone calls from concerned customers and local solar businesses, worried about who is going to foot the bill.
“Gold Coast solar companies have described the rebate-cut as “shocking” and feel it has left them “ill-prepared”. Labor did not consult with industry, nor make consumers aware of the change.
“Gold Coasters who were doing their bit for the environment and making plans to install solar panels in their home will no longer have access to the Solar Homes and Communities Plan.
“Local solar businesses now face the real possibility a large number of customers will cancel their orders because they cannot access the $8,000 government rebate. This is going to have a huge impact on business cash flow, which is their biggest challenge at the moment.
“Right now there are a lot of anxious Gold Coast customers wondering how Labor could suddenly change their mind and break a Budget commitment, made less than four weeks ago.”
Minister for Environment, Peter Garrett claims a new initiative, Renewable Energy Target Scheme, will replace the old scheme, however, it is yet to even be introduced to the Parliament.
“What happens in the meantime for Gold Coasters who have placed an order for solar panels" Labor is yet to even introduce the new scheme into the Parliament.” Mr Ciobo said.
“Gold Coast home owners have been left in the dark regarding the future of solar rebates, and whether they’ll be eligible.
“The Labor Government has mismanaged the Budget and now Gold Coasters and the solar sector are paying the price for Kevin Rudd’s record debt of $315 billion.”