Qld Govt Climate Action Plan comes at a crucial time, with not a second to spare
Today’s announcement of a Climate Action Plan 2030, driven by a Cabinet sub-committee chaired by the Premier, has the opportunity and responsibility to commit to power up Queensland with 100% renewable energy before 2030. Anything less seriously risks Queensland energy security and international reputation.
Queensland Conservation Council’s Director, Dave Copeman, says that the Climate Action Plan 2030 demonstrates that the Queensland Government understands time is running out to produce a plan on emissions reduction.
“Off the back of a dangerous and chaotic period of coal-fired power, the near “in-danger” listing of the Great Barrier Reef and in the glow of the 2032 Olympics announcement, the time for climate action is now,” Mr Copeman said.
“While the Queensland Government’s formation of the Climate Action Plan 2030 is an important step, it must act fast to deliver clear concrete plans for how we will reduce emissions and transform our economy,” Mr Copeman said. “Queenslanders deserve honest answers to the question, how will we reduce our emissions and create the industry and jobs of the future?
We must reduce our emissions in line with science, starting with replacing coal-fired power stations with 100% renewable energy and storage before the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
“Today’s update from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) set out three scenarios that would require states to reduce emissions in line with CSIRO and Climate Works carbon budgets. We think the sub-committee needs to adopt a carbon budget for Queensland to align with national and international commitments to action,” Mr Copeman said.
“This can’t be a committee that just keeps minutes and loses hours - now is the time for the Cabinet sub-committee to take responsibility to form a comprehensive plan to drastically reduce Queensland’s emissions and build renewable energy infrastructure in line with the rest of the world”, Mr Copeman said.
Tasked with managing Australia’s highest emissions [1] as well as an ageing coal fleet in turmoil following a major turbine explosion which tripped other generators in the network amid a number of unplanned outages, the committee can’t delay or consult, they must decide.
“Every meeting must count. We need the same urgency that kept us safe during the pandemic, and the same courage to make decisions based on science, not the politics of division.”
“Renewable energy generation, greater energy efficiency, transformation of transport and electrifying our industrial processes are steps the committee must take to unlock the decarbonised system that nations are striving for,” Mr Copeman said.