Brisbane City Council has knocked back three development applications for community batteries in Newstead, Nundah and the Gap.
The batteries were funded through the commonwealth’s $200million Community Batteries for Household Solar program, delivered via Energy Queensland.
Council say they don’t want to see green space replaced with “giant batteries” despite the PowerShaper XL batteries being the size of a traffic signal box or a fridge.
Federal Energy Minister, Chris Bowen has written to Brisbane Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner urging him to reconsider his decision or identify alternate sites within the same suburbs.
It’s understood the three batteries would help power nearly 1,000 homes with locally created solar energy.
The denied sites are an old Scouts Hall in Nundah, a substation in Newmarket and the Penley Street end of Woodbine Street in the Gap.
Labor candidate for Ryan Rebecca Hack said Council’s decision flew in the face of their supposed ‘green’ credentials.
“The LNP Lord Mayor is constantly trying to tell ratepayers how much he cares for the environment.
“Well he can start right now by putting aside his personal politics and getting these batteries approved, so they can be built as soon as possible.”
Federal Lilley MP Anika Wells said the Council’s refusal to approve the batteries would impact power prices.
“These batteries will store solar energy for later use, putting downward pressure on household electricity costs,” Minister Wells said.
“At a time when families in Nundah are dealing with cost-of-living pressures, all levels of government should be doing what they can to help.”
