Coalition vetoes funding for wind and battery farm in northern Queensland

Keith Pitt says loan of up to $280m for a Kaban green energy hub near Cairns would be inconsistent with the objectives and policies of the commonwealth'

The Morrison government has vetoed public funding of a windfarm and battery project in northern Queensland, with a cabinet minister declaring it was inconsistent with its goals and policies.

The Northern Australian Infrastructure Facility (Naif), a government agency, in January approved up to $280m funding for the Kaban green energy hub 80km south-west of Cairns. The proponents, Neoen Australia, estimated the development could reduce electricity prices for Queensland consumers by $461m over the life of the project.