WHILE electricity prices continue to skyrocket across the Peninsula, independent candidate for Flinders Ben Smith has unveiled a practical plan to reduce household power bills and end dependence on corporate energy giants.
“Peninsula families are paying far too much for power while energy companies rake in record profits,” Smith said. “The major parties have had years to fix this problem but have failed to act because they’re too busy playing political games or answering to their donors. We know that smart climate action means lower power bills, more jobs, and a secure future for our peninsula.”
Ben’s plan includes:
– Supporting local households and businesses to install solar and battery systems, slashing bills while providing security during blackouts
– Creating local jobs in renewable installation and maintenance on the peninsula
– Ending massive fossil fuel subsidies to make big corporations pay their fair share
– Developing community-owned energy projects to break the grip of energy giants
Rebecca Graley, who part owns both Millers Bread Kitchen and Point Leo General Store, which employs more than 50 people, said her business has been financially impacted by climate change.
“Extreme weather driven by climate change has already caused us to lose substantial money due to business closures and changes to tourism,” Graley said.
“Black summer was a good example of what was supposed to be a very busy and bustling summer on the Mornington Peninsula, turning out to be one draped in smoke and where people opted to stay away.” “It was a dismal summer for businesses across the Peninsula. This was followed by flash floods that short circuited all of our power, causing us to shut and creating thousands of dollars of food waste – not to mention cancelling shifts of our staff,” Graley said.
Smith highlighted the major parties’ failure to address energy affordability despite years of promises. “Both sides have had their chance and failed. Labor and Liberal policies have left us with an energy market that benefits corporations, not consumers.”
“This is about common sense solutions that actually work for everyday people,” Smith said.
“By supporting household energy independence, we also create local jobs, reduce blackout risks during storms, and protect our precious coastal environment for future generations.”
First published in the Mornington News – 18 March 2025
