In welcome news ahead of tomorrow’s budget, the Albanese Government announced the creation of a National Net Zero Authority to help communities like Gladstone plan for Australia’s clean energy transformation.¹
For several years now, ACF has publicly called on the Australian government to deliver this authority. This is fantastic news and a long-time coming!
Coal-fired power has long been essential to our local economy, powering our manufacturing industry.
Now Gladstone, like the rest of Australia, is undergoing a rapid transformation to renewable power. In a changing global economy, coal-fired power plants will close, and renewables will secure our local manufacturing industry and slash climate pollution.
The new National Net Zero Authority should help our community achieve a coordinated and well-planned transition so we all enjoy the benefits of this inevitable energy transformation.
For local workers here in town, the authority should provide access to:
- good quality, secure and safe jobs
- industry-wide redeployment schemes, education and training
- income replacement and relocation packages where necessary
- and early retirement where it is appropriate.
To be effective, it’s essential that the new authority also oversees the transition towards clean exports in Gladstone. This is where the big jobs, manufacturing and emissions reduction opportunities are. It should also ensure the transition is done in a way that’s good for nature.
Gladstone can help the world race to a net-zero emissions future. A transition in which our community shapes our own future after coal is the fastest, fairest and most effective way to achieve it.
We now have a national body, a transition roadmap from our local council, and funding from the state government to help everyone in our community decide how this transition happens.² ³
Our community is powerful. Let’s keep moving!
¹ Australian Conservation Foundation: New body an essential part of energy transformation
² Australian Conservation Foundation: A roadmap for Gladstone's next 10 years
³ Australian Conservation Foundation: Queensland Government sets 2037 exit date for domestic coal-fired power
