Queensland communities from the south-east to the far north are already reaping benefits from embracing clean energy
In response to the Queensland Government’s announcement of an initial $250 million public investment in clean energy projects and the establishment of a just transition working group, Australian Conservation Foundation Climate Change Campaigner, Jason Lyddieth, said:
“This investment by the Palaszczuk Government towards meeting its election promise to deliver 1000 megawatts of new clean energy will mean less climate pollution and more jobs for Queenslanders.
“Renewable energy, like solar and wind, is booming across our state. Communities from the south-east to the far north are already reaping benefits from embracing clean energy.
“It is also good to see the government’s commitment to work with civil society and unions towards justly managing the human impacts of the transition from an energy system dependent on coal to clean energy.
"But it is a concern that an existing gas power station will be part of CleanCo’s portfolio. Gas is a dirty fuel that causes climate damage, and we urge the government to reconsider its inclusion.
“The Queensland Government can now boost these commitments by getting on with its promised reverse auctions to fund more renewable energy projects before 2020.
“This fresh investment again shows that some state governments are taking the lead on the transition from polluting coal to clean energy. Meanwhile the Morrison Government is yet to support any action to cut pollution from energy production.
“Queensland is particularly vulnerable to climate damage. Our Great Barrier Reef has been hammered by coral bleaching. Our farmers are dealing with worsening drought. And our communities face more intense heatwaves.
“If we want a safe climate for Queensland we need a national plan from the Morrison Government to cut climate pollution and transition to clean energy that works alongside ambitious state action.”
