The National’s have reignited a fresh climate change debate within the Coalition, with the release of a manufacturing plan supported by the creation of new coal-fired power stations. Backbench members of the coalition partner released their ‘Manufacturing 2035’ plan (pdf) and called for local investment into coal and gas-fired power which they believe would reduce Australia’s overall environmental footprint. “It would be better for the environment for more Australian coal to be used to manufacture goods in Australia, instead of Australians importing manufactured goods from countries that use lower-quality coals,” the report said. The report noted that the main barrier to strengthening the Australian manufacturing sector over the past decade was Australia’s high energy costs. If Australia could not turn this around, the report warned it could destroy what little hope there is of “increasing investment in Australian manufacturing.” The report outlines nine points that the party believes would help …