Government rejects gift of solar panels for Kirribilli House

It was a present intended for the Prime Minister's residence in Sydney.

But a government decision to reject a gift of a set of solar panels for Kirribilli House has seen it come under fire for its attitude toward renewable energy.

Christian lobby group Common Grace crowd funded a set of solar panels in December, hoping the government would agree to install them on Kirribilli House.

They presented them to Prime Minister Tony Abbott's office, only to receive a letter from the Department of Finance – which administers government properties – that the gift could not be accepted.

In a letter, parliamentary secretary for finance Michael McCormack told the group that Kirribilli House's heritage listing, security concerns, and the ongoing requirement for cleaning and maintenance of the panels meant they could not be installed.

Now the group is questioning that decision and urging the Prime Minister to reconsider.

Jody Lightfoot, climate justice campaigner at Common Grace, said the government's arguments did not stack up.

"We think that if Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore can install solar panels on Town Hall…then the Prime Minister has no excuse for not accepting a gift of solar panels for Kirribilli House," Mr Lightfoot said.

"Cate Blanchett installed solar panels at the Sydney Theatre Company which is just across the harbour from Kirribilli House."

Mr Lightfoot also questioned the government's argument that the cleaning required for solar panels was too onerous.

He said the Australian Solar Council indicated "panels do not require annual cleaning and maintenance, they are cleaned by the rain".

"My view is that the rejection of the solar panels is symbolic of the government's failure to invest in renewable energy when 89 per cent of Australians want a stronger renewable energy target."

The government has been deadlocked in negotiations with Labor and the clean energy industry over Australia's renewable energy target, which it wants to reduce.

Mr McCormack said Commonwealth legislation prevented the government from accepting the gift.

"My decision was based on advice about the heritage, security and cost implications of accepting the gift," he said.

"Buildings like Kirribilli have important heritage values that are protected by the law. I acknowledge that Common Grace are disappointed and I encourage them to find an alternative beneficiary."

Original Article
Source: smh.com.au/
Author: Lisa Cox