The Sunshine State can live up to its name with the Queensland Government introducing its Clean Economy Jobs Bill 2024 today, which sets out plans to accelerate the roll-out of renewable energy and cuts to pollution.
Scientists agree that pollution from coal, oil and gas is overheating the planet, and needs to be phased out. The importance of doing so has never been clearer, as Queenslanders feel the brunt of climate change through more frequent, chaotic and deadly extreme weather.
However, the government is undermining its own good work with the approval of the massive new Winchester South coal mine last week, which will fuel more dangerous climate change.
Climate Council Head of Advocacy Dr Jennifer Rayner said: "Queenslanders will benefit from the bright, clean energy future that this law enables with rapidly growing industries that are creating regional jobs for generations to come.
"Putting these plans into law will give businesses more confidence to invest – particularly in regional areas. This will build on the momentum already underway across Queensland, which is delivering new industries and jobs in places like Townsville, Gladstone and Mackay.
"Working together now to cut climate pollution and keep communities safe from worsening extremes is sensible, responsible, and economically smart," said Dr Rayner.
"The Parliament should take a Team Queensland approach and get this done so clean energy and industry businesses can ramp up investment in growing sectors.
"Approving new, highly-polluting projects like the Winchester South coal mine undermines the state's positive momentum, and will pile more climate risks and costs onto communities who are still reeling from flooding rains, deadly bushfires and destructive storms."
