In an announcement from the Queensland State Government, Parliament has passed two landmark pieces of legislation to deliver on renewable energy creation, supporting job creation.
The Queensland Government has entrenched the transformation of Queensland’s energy grid into law, which they have stated will create more than 100,000 new jobs in manufacturing, renewable energy generation, power transmission and industries of the future.
Premier Steven Miles said, “Government has an obligation to secure the economic, social and environmental prosperity of this state. That’s an obligation I take seriously.”
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.
Minister Mick de Brenni said, “Australia cannot meet its international climate obligations without the support of Queensland. By securing a new target of a 75% reduction in emissions by 2035, we’ve demonstrated our commitment to decarbonisation, for the benefit of Queenslanders, and our planet.
Miles said, “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.”
In addition, the State government announced it 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 $150 million Job Security Guarantee is the first of its kind anywhere in the world. Now that it’s locked in legislation, Queenslanders working in a publicly-owned power station or relevant coal mine can have peace of mind that they will have opportunities for training and financial security as we transition,” said Brenni.
Queensland Renewable Energy Council chief executive officer, Katie-Anne Mulder said, “Queensland’s renewable energy targets now enshrined in law, provide certainty to industry and communities on the State’s plan to shift our reliance from thermal coal to renewable energy.”
The announcement stated 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.
