UNITY Water’s $8 million a year electricity bill was set to soar under Labor’s carbon tax by 15 to 20 per cent and the Bligh government was today challenged to explain exactly what this would mean to Unity Water customers.

LNP Shadow Minister for Energy and Water Utilities Steve Dickson today called on Water  Minister Stephen Robertson to finally act for Unity Water’s Sunshine Coast, Redcliffe and Caboolture home and business owners whose water bills would be hit by the carbon tax.

“Stephen Robertson needs to explain how Unity Water can continue to operate after the carbon tax kicks in next July when its electricity costs alone will increase by up to $1.6 million a year,” Mr Dickson said.

“I’m calling on the Minister to break his embarrassing silence and speak out against this draconian tax that will substantially increase local’s costs of living.

He should reject Canberra’s unpopular tax in light of the impact of the stock market crash and huge cost of living issues already inflicted on all Queenslanders by the Bligh government.

They’re already struggling with higher water and power bills, the highest car rego in the nation, higher petrol due to a broken election promise and Anna Bligh’s new $7000 stamp duty hit on family homes.”

Mr Dickson said Stephen Robertson needed to explain how Unity Water would absorb Labor’s carbon tax on electricity costs - given the Bligh government passed legislation in June capping retail water price increases to 3.6 per cent for two years.

“The LNP has a one point plan on the carbon tax. We oppose it.

Under the LNP, Queenslanders will power Queensland again, not politics,” Mr Dickson said.