The announcement of three proposed Renewable Energy Corridors for Queensland by the Palaszczuk government is encouraging news for our Great Barrier Reef, its amazing wildlife and the thousands of tourism jobs it supports.
The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) says the best way to support the health of our Reef into the future is to lower the greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of dirty coal and gas. The mining and burning of these fossil fuels is driving global warming, which has led to three damaging mass coral bleaching events on our Reef in just five years.
Unlocking the Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) shows the Queensland government is serious about transitioning to clean energy and lowering emissions, which will ease the pressure on our internationally famous icon.
"The proposed Renewable Energy Corridor in North Queensland could deliver up to five REZs, including the Reef coast from Cairns to Townsville. This will bring clean energy jobs and investment to a region really suffering because of the COVID restrictions," said AMCS Cairns campaigner Elise Springett.
"The benefits this will bring to our Reef are also great news for our suffering tourism industry. Measures like this will help safeguard the future of our amazing natural wonder that provides so many families in Cairns with their livelihoods. As we emerge from COVID restrictions and the tourism industry gets back on its feet, they will need a healthy, vibrant Reef more than ever.
"This is smart and sustainable investment in the future of Far North Queensland and we are looking forward to seeing more details as the important state election nears."
Simon Mallender from Cairns-based diving travel agent Diveplanit Travel said: "The tourism industry needs policies that will protect the future of our Great Barrier Reef – so many thousands of livelihoods depend on it remaining healthy.
"The proposed Renewable Energy Corridors for Queensland are great news for our industry. We urgently need to reduce our emissions to protect our Reef and need policies that will create jobs in the region. The Renewable Energy Corridors will help us to achieve both."
