HELP OUR LITTLE RURAL SUBURB SECURE A RELIABLE POWER SUPPLY LIKE THE REST OF THE GYMPIE REGION!

As we know all too well, electricity rules our lives. We use it for everything, from lights, to air conditioning, to appliances, pool and house pumps, medical equipment, TV, charging our phones amongst many more. I am a resident of Curra QLD and like many others in this community, I endure frequent power outages, especially during the Summer months. 

This not only causes inconvenience but also poses safety and security risks for the community. This is especially valid those who rely on medical equipment, work from home, and those with young families. Not to mention the discomfort during Government issued 'extreme heat wave warning conditions' and stress put on appliances during constant power loss episodes.

In a 15 day period Curra lost power 12 times, (with no storm activity). This has highlighted that weather phenomena is not cause. According to the Australian Energy Regulator's annual report 2019-2020, Queensland has experienced a significant increase in the number of sustained interruptions, and this has only increased every year since, especially in rural areas. 

I conducted a simple poll on the Gympie Community Board (25,000 members) from residents across the entire region. The results showed that residents from the North-west area are the only ones to have constant significant power disruptions within the Gympie region, most voting “Frequent Power Loss”. Majority of these voters were from Curra.

It is evident that our Government is aware of this issue as many energy projects have been proposed and stalled or failed, not limited to; Borumba Hydro Dam, Traveston Dam, and The Forest Wind Turbine Project. Even the 500 hectare Woolooga Solar Farm hasn't made a dent in the power disruptions within the region.

We urge the local government and energy providers to take immediate action to address this issue, once and for all. The community wants answers with measures that will ensure reliable power supply in Curra and the surrounding suburbs. Residents here know power loss all too well, it’s not a matter of if but when.

With soaring cost of living pressures, the last thing people need is lost productivity from inability to work from home, medical equipment not being reliable, and appliances or food lost. Residents are paying for a connection and service they simply aren't receiving. 

If the rest of the Gympie region including rural farmland, forestry, residential and coastal properties have a reliable power supply without Solar Farms, without Wind Turbines, without Hydro Dam projects, then why is the North-West plagued with an ongoing energy supply problem?

The quality of life for all residents is compromised. It's time we stand together as a community to demand change. Please sign this petition if you believe everyone deserves access to reliable electricity supply without the constant uncertainty of unexpected power losses disrupting their lives. 

With 500 signatures, the Minister is obliged to provide a response.  If we can reach 20,000, that will automatically trigger a Parliamentary debate.