The Crisafulli Government's commitment to keep coal-fired power stations running longer and invest in new expensive gas threatens the future of Queensland's economy, communities and natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef, said WWF-Australia.
Treasurer David Janetzki today announced the roadmap for Queensland's energy system for the next five years.
While the plan acknowledges the ongoing need for renewable energy, it also commits Queensland to more coal and gas generation and provides no definitive closure timeline for the state's coal-fired power stations.
WWF-Australia's Chief Regenerative Officer, Nicole Forrester said the short-sighted plan lacks the vision and innovation needed to secure Queensland's economic future.
"The future economic growth of Queensland depends on successfully managing the shift to clean energy sooner," she said.
"There is an enormous amount of clean energy investment that could be coming to Queensland with the certainty of coal closure dates. We know this investment would bring jobs and opportunities to regional and remote communities.
"Rio Tinto's indication they intend to close the Gladstone Power Station six years early should leave no doubt - Queensland's future is not in coal."
Ms Forrester said prolonging coal-fired power was also a recipe for more climate damage.
"Queenslanders are already feeling the effects of climate change and this is a roadmap to more fires, floods and heatwaves, and more mass bleaching events for the Great Barrier Reef," she said.
"The World Heritage Committee requires that Queensland have policies to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels to protect the Reef from climate damage. This energy plan does the opposite and puts the Reef and its World Heritage status at serious risk.
"Keeping coal and delaying climate action will also mean more hip pocket pain for Queenslanders as extreme weather becomes more frequent and intense.
"Insurance premiums will continue to go up, food production will suffer, and disaster recovery costs will soar.
"We need an energy plan that supports the development of well-sited renewable energy to replace our increasingly unreliable coal power stations. Renewables – built in the best places – can not only coexist safely with nature, but help nature and people thrive."
There was some modest positives in the roadmap, with the inclusion of a new solar power program for 6,500 rental households.
"This is an important step to ensure all Queenslanders benefit from affordable clean energy, but much more needs to be done to support the remaining Queensland rental properties," said Ms Forrester.
"All Queenslanders should benefit from the cost savings that come through renewable upgrades to homes - no matter if they rent, live in an apartment or social housing or cannot afford the upfront costs."
