Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s clean energy investment and commitment to ‘no regular reliance on coal-fired generation by 2035’ is a big leap forward for the sunshine state, the Australian Conservation Foundation said today.
The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan sets out a transition that includes targets for 70% renewable energy by 2032 and for all coal-fired power stations to be operating as clean energy hubs by 2035.
“ACF warmly welcomes the Palaszczuk government’s commitment to a massive renewable energy build in the coming decade,” said ACF’s Chief Executive, Kelly O’Shanassy.
“The Queensland way of life and natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree and the Wet Tropics are vulnerable to climate change, fuelled by burning coal and gas.
“These plans will help combat climate change and give business and workers the confidence they crave and put Queensland on the way to becoming a clean energy superpower.
“Given the climate crisis, we call on Opposition Leader David Crisafulli to back the plan to ensure emissions reduction, energy security and investment certainty for Queensland.
“The plan’s commitment to pumped hydro as a firming source, instead of building more battery capacity, means the Palaszczuk government will need to reassure Queenslanders that the transition won’t come at the expense of the state’s unspoiled rivers and native vegetation.
“It is up to the government to show how it can achieve its renewable energy plans without damaging Queensland’s world-renowned nature and unique species.
“Queensland has every reason to move quickly away from fossil fuels and become a leader in cutting emissions.
“The state’s 2030 emissions reduction target remains among the weakest in the country and is inconsistent with the Albanese government’s 43% target. It should be strengthened immediately.”
Last month ACF, along with WWF and QCC, released a report by Accenture, Queensland Climate Action Plan: laying the foundation for a successful climate transformation, setting out how Queensland could halve its domestic climate emissions by 2030 and create 87,000 new jobs across new industries by harnessing its abundant renewable energy capacities.
