National environment group the Australian Conservation Foundation has welcomed today’s introduction of legislation to state parliament to cut Queensland’s emissions by 75% by 2035.
“Given Queensland’s summer of extreme weather, this is a very timely piece of legislation,” said ACF’s climate and energy program manager Gavan McFadzean in response to the tabling of the Clean Economy Jobs Bill 2024.
“Queensland’s spectacular natural environment and the lives of Queenslanders are under intense pressure from climate change, fuelled by the burning of coal and gas.
“Queensland’s economy is reliant on resource extraction, nature-based tourism and agriculture, making it highly vulnerable to climate change. Queensland is paying more than any other state for extreme weather.
“This legislation will 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.
“Victoria aims to cut its emissions by 75–80% by 2035, while NSW is aiming for a 70% cut. Queensland has been highly fossil fuel dependent, so the 75% target is good.
“This 2035 target will help Queensland attract the capital and jobs that come with the clean energy transformation.”
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.
“While this legislation is welcome, it’s worth remembering that it applies only to domestic emissions and Queensland continues to fuel climate change by exporting massive quantities of coal and gas – and continues to approve big new coal mines,” Mr McFadzean said.
“It doesn’t matter where Queensland’s coal and gas is burnt, it adds to the likelihood of coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef and more extreme weather in Queensland.
“The International Energy Agency has said no new coal mines can go ahead if the world is to reach net zero emissions by 2050.”
