New Premier Steven Miles has set a target to cut Queensland’s emissions by 75% by 2035.
“This is a very good and timely announcement from Premier Miles given the recent deadly Queensland bushfires and an expected brutal summer still to unfold,” said the Australian Conservation Foundation’s climate and energy program manager Gavan McFadzean.
“This target should be legislated to give business certainty and Queenslanders confidence.
“We call on Queensland’s opposition leader David Crisafulli to match this target to lock in a bipartisan approach and boost the LNP’s credibility on climate heading into an election year.
“The Albanese government is considering what its 2035 target will be. Queensland’s 75% cut sets a floor for the federal target.
“Victoria aims to cut its emissions by 75–80% by 2035, while NSW is aiming for a 70% cut. Queensland has been one of the most fossil fuel dependent regions in the world, so the 75% target is good.
“Queensland’s spectacular natural environment and the lives of Queenslanders are under intense pressure from climate change, fuelled by burning coal and gas.
“New research by Ipsos shows 36% of Australians believe it’s likely that, within the next 25 years, they will be displaced from their home due to the effects of climate change.
“Queensland’s economy – reliant on resource extraction, nature-based tourism and agriculture – is highly vulnerable to climate change. Queensland is paying more than any other state for extreme weather.
“This 2035 target will help Queensland attract the capital and jobs that come with the clean energy transformation.
“This announcement brings Queensland within reach of the Paris Agreement’s trajectory, but in reality Australia should aim to get to net zero before 2035 to play our part in keeping global warming to 1.5°C.”
The target announced today is made possible because of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan which sets out a transition for the state get 70% of its energy from renewables by 2032 and for all coal-fired power stations to be operating as clean energy hubs by 2035.
