Engaging with the media to reach a wider audience for the ideas and debates generated by our work is one important part of the work of The Brisbane Institute.
All media releases sent to media outlets are simultaneously published here, along with articles or news items published or broadcast about the Institute. Media professionals seeking further information should contact Karyn Brinkley at The Brisbane Institute at karyn@brisinst.org.au
August 2011
How can we have a positive energy future?
MEDIA RELEASE, Tuesday, 16 August 2011
Too much sensationalism and not enough debate about Queensland’s future fuel and energy needs is leaving the state unprepared to deal with escalating demand, according to The Brisbane Institute’s CEO, Karyn Brinkley.
“Too often, important community debates are carried out via the 6pm news,” Ms Brinkley said.
“Simplistic and emotive sound-bites are those most likely to be used to represent – and shape – the issues, leaving most people no better informed about the issues or options.”
Ms Brinkley said energy reform was needed to ensure Queensland could take control of its economic, social and environmental prosperity while facing up to the challenges of dwindling petroleum reserves.
But reform, by definition, must be preceded by a sustained debate.
Enter: The Positive Energy Futures series, offering three public forums linking relevant issues that will deliver the kind of informed debate between industry, government, business and the wider community that will help Queenslanders understand, control and benefit from changes in fuel and energy options.
Joining The Brisbane Institute’s first public forum in the Positive Energy Futures series – What’s the fracking fuss all about? – are petroleum and chemical engineering expert and editor-in-chief of Energy Tribune Dr Michael Economides, Wally Wight from the Australian Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas, Adam Stone from the Queensland Greens, AgForce’s Drew Wagner, Pearce Bowman from QER and Sustainable Minerals Institute director Dr Chris Moran.
Visiting from the University of Houston, Dr Economides will present an international perspective on the highly-controversial fracking technology, which many community members are concerned will damage Queensland’s water supplies.
“Study upon study in the US has concluded that hydraulic fracturing doesn’t pose a risk to drinking water,” Dr Economides said.
“In fact, the last comprehensive study on the issue was conducted by the US federal government in 2004, in which EPA found no substantiated cases nationwide of fracturing fluid contaminating groundwater.
“That evidence stands today.”
Ms Brinkley said the Institute’s panel format was intended to ensure as many different perspectives would be presented as possible.
“We want the real questions to be asked and answered at these forums, with all sides of the arguments heard, so people can make up their own minds,” she said.
“What is the most accurate picture available for peak oil? What are the alternatives? What are the risks and costs for Queensland in NOT developing alternative fuel resources? And what opportunities and rewards are waiting for us – economically, socially and environmentally – if we’re clever enough to grasp them?”
-ENDS-
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Karyn Brinkley – karyn@brisinst.org.au OR Fiona Tristram – fiona@brisinst.org.au
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To register to this event please click here.