Two landmark pieces of legislation to deliver direct action on climate change have been passed by the Queensland Parliament.
“Government has an obligation to secure the economic, social and environmental prosperity of this state. That’s an obligation I take seriously,” Premier Steven Miles said.
“Through our landmark Energy and Jobs Plan, we set a vision for securing a clean economy future and the 100,000 new jobs that will be created.
“Today, that plan becomes law.”
Powered by the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, three renewable energy targets of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030, 70 per cent by 2032 and 80 per cent by 2035 have been locked in.
The Government has also acted to lock in public ownership of energy assets and a world-first Job Security Guarantee and Fund.
The fund ensures energy workers at existing publicly owned power stations and associated coal mines have access to new jobs and training or financial assistance during the transition.
“Our vision for Queenslanders is to produce cheap, clean, reliable, renewable energy for them, their families and their businesses. Now, we get on with the job of delivering,” Miles said.
“We will build the renewable energy generation and transmission assets needed to power big industries in Gladstone, Mackay, Townsville and Mt Isa.
“In turn, we create clean economy jobs for generations to come – building our state and national energy independence.”
The move is complemented by strong action on emissions reductions – with laws passed today to legislate emissions reduction targets of 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, 75 per cent below by 2035 and net zero by 2050.
In doing so, the Government has secured Queensland’s future with a clean economy, and paved Australia’s path towards the Paris Agreement.
“Today, we also lock in a strong emissions reduction target of 75 per cent by 2035, putting the state on par with the most ambitious targets in the state,” Miles said.
“This target will provide certainty industry and deliver a world-leading response to climate change, while protecting Queensland’s pristine natural assets from further impact.”
The passing of the Clean Economy Jobs Act 2024 and the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Act 2024 has secured Queensland’s spot at the centre of a global energy transformation.
Already, investors and industry from around the world are choosing Queensland to establish new industries, build world first technologies and create good local jobs.
“This,” Minister Mick de Brenni said, is a historic day for Queensland.”
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