General News
7 October, 2025
Government slammed for inaction on Normanton Solar Farm
The Shadow Minister has spoken out against David Janetzki for failing to intervene with Ergon Energy.
David Janetzki should use his powers as the Energy Minister and intervene in the Normanton Solar Farm fiasco, the Opposition says.
Shadow Energy Minister Lance McCallum MP slammed the state government for its attitude towards renewables and for failing Doug and Lyn Scouller, who risk losing everything as a result of Ergon failing to sign another power purchase agreement with the Gulf business operators.
“The Crisafulli government’s war on clean energy has hit a new low,” Mr McCallum told North West Weekly.
“Not content with cancelling new renewable projects, they have happily sat on their hands while the plug is pulled on the Normanton Solar Farm – an existing operational project.
“The Energy Minister (David Janetzki) should have intervened immediately to sort this out, but the anti-renewable extremists in the LNP are driving down investment, jobs and reliability while driving up power prices.
“Communities in the Gulf and right across Queensland are literally paying the price.”
As reported last week, the Normanton Solar Farm was switched off on October 1 after the Scoullers were unable to come to terms with Ergon Energy.
Mr Scouller was not allowed to talk to North West Weekly – he was forced by Ergon to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) just to enter into negotiations with them – but said he spoke out because he had no choice but to fight for his survival.
“I had to sign the NDA just to find out what they were offering,” he said.
“I don’t mind speaking (about my situation) because I’ve got nothing to lose.
“If things don't change, I'll lose everything.”
Mr Scouller said Ergon had lowered its power purchase rate so much that he would have to pay Ergon to take power from his solar farm, rather than the other way around.
A spokesperson for Ergon said the monopoly power provider would “continue to be available to discuss the situation with Mr Scouller”.
“Due to the commercially confidential nature of recent negotiations between Ergon Energy Retail and Normanton Solar Farm, we will not be responding to Mr Scouller’s comments made to media or commenting on the reasons why Mr Scouller has made the decision to switch off the solar farm,” the spokesperson said.
“Mr Scouller was able to renew his contract to sell power from the solar farm to Ergon Retail or to any other buyer but has chosen not to sign a new contract with Ergon Retail.
“There are no issues with energy supply or the energy network as a result of this decision by Mr Scouller.
“We continue to be available to discuss the situation with Mr Scouller, should he choose to contact us.”
North West Weekly contacted Mr Janetzki’s office for a comment, but received a one-line non-answer.
“These matters are commercial-in-confidence and Energy Queensland remains available for ongoing engagement with the proponent,” a spokesperson for the Energy Minister said.
Mr Katter said he had made representations to Mr Janetzki, hoping he would intervene in the situation.
“I think he needs to,” the MP said.
“We've made deputations to the Treasurer and the Department as well, because it would seem a bit contradictory that they're trying to embolden or encourage others to put renewable energy projects in the ground around Queensland and Doug is one of the pioneers.
“I think a lot of these renewable solar farms they're putting in are just downright silly and make no sense, but this is one that did make sense and that's precisely when the Minister needs to step in and pull rank and say this might fit your criteria but it doesn't pass the pub test.”
Carpentaria Shire mayor Jack Bawden described the impasse between Ergon and Normanton Solar Farm as “bullshit”.
“Disappointed would be an understatement. It's bullshit, basically,” Cr Bawden said, pointing to the fact that this could be an emerging trend between privately owned renewable companies and government-owned energy providers.
“It makes a joke of every bit of renewable energy sales pitch that (the governments) have used over the years, conning everyone.
“Basically, they're going to charge you a ‘sun tax’ for want of a better word. If you’re feeding back into the grid, you’re going to get hit with a tariff.
“It’s already started in New South Wales, so it's not just a Queensland thing – it's going to be a national thing.”