FRIDAY 10 OCTOBER, 2025 The Crisafulli Government's Energy Roadmap is set to sign Queenslanders up for outdated, unreliable, and expensive coal power until the 2040's – a move that threatens to drive up household bills, worsen climate pollution and put thousands of clean energy jobs at risk.
The plan sits in stark contrast to projections from the Australian Energy Market Operator, which show all of Queensland's coal power stations closing by 2035.
Extending the life of Queensland's ageing coal-fired power stations and considering new gas developments flies in the face of Queensland's legislated 2035 emissions target of a 75% cut on 2005 levels, which the Crisafulli Government reaffirmed during the 2024 election less than a year ago. Extending and expanding coal and gas power stations locks in more harmful climate pollution for longer, driving more frequent and extreme weather events that harm Queenslanders.
Climate Council energy expert Greg Bourne said: "Chaining Queensland to coal clunkers for 20 years is a bet against Queensland's future. It's bad economics, bad for the climate, and bad for Queensland households. This is a reckless plan from a government that said it would cut climate pollution and lower costs.
"This roadmap is more of a road block to progress. Queensland's coal power stations failed 78 times last summer, costing taxpayers billions to keep them on life support. The government is throwing good money after bad – money that should be building renewable energy and storage projects that deliver cheaper, cleaner power for everyone."
Climate Councillor Associate Professor Joel Gilmore said: "This plan will leave Queenslanders worse off. The evidence is clear that renewables backed by storage are the cheapest and most reliable way to power our homes and businesses. Every delay in building a cleaner energy system means higher bills and more pollution.
"The sunshine state should be leading Australia's clean energy boom, attracting investment and creating tens of thousands of regional jobs. Instead, this roadmap risks driving that investment interstate, leaving Queensland with an outdated, expensive system that is falling apart."
