Qld Govt must match or better NSW’s emissions reduction target
The NSW Premier announced that the state will lift its 2030 emissions reduction target from 35% to 50% emissions reductions compared to 2005 levels.
Meanwhile, the Queensland Government just days ago refused to confirm that they will block Waratah Coal’s new coal-fired power station, which would release 230 megatonnes of carbon emissions, and use up 20% of the state’s already blown out carbon budget.
Queensland Conservation Council Energy Strategist, Clare Silcock, says that the move from a Liberal NSW Government leaves Queensland lagging behind as the only state in the National Energy Market without a 50% emission reduction target.
“NSW’s Energy Minister has said they can stop using coal by 2030 and has now increased the state’s emissions reductions target to 50%. Victoria joined South Australia by setting a 50% emissions reduction target by 2030 earlier in the year. Our Energy Minister is currently creating a 10 year energy plan which must lift Queensland’s emissions reduction ambition and address the need to close coal fired power stations to create space for renewable energy investment,” Clare Silcock said.
“With Victoria, South Australia and NSW having clear emissions reductions targets, Queensland risks losing investment in renewable energy that can power regional communities and long term clean energy jobs. Instead, Queensland consumers could be left paying higher prices for outdated and toxic technology,” Clare Silcock said.
“We need at least a similar emissions reduction target to make sure Queensland benefits from the renewable energy economy,” Ms Silcock said.
“To meet Australia’s Paris Agreement commitment, we need to reduce emissions by 75% by 2030, but bringing Queensland’s carbon emissions target into line with other states will put us in a much better position to try and avoid runaway global warming, and protect our precious ecosystems and iconic Reef,” Ms Silcock said.
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