The Crisafulli Government has sent Queensland backwards and put clean energy and Reef jobs at risk with the legislation to deliver a new Energy Roadmap, said WWF-Australia.
The Queensland Government tonight passed legislation that will scrap Queensland's renewable energy targets and extend the life of ageing and unreliable coal fired power stations.
"This is a dangerous backward step for Queensland," said Ariane Wilkinson, Senior Manager of Climate and Energy Policy, WWF-Australia.
"Delaying coal closures indefinitely will have serious consequences for Queenslanders. Regional communities need clear timelines to plan ahead and secure the clean energy jobs of the future.
"This legislation delays climate action and locks in more greenhouse gas emissions, which will put the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders at risk and push the Great Barrier Reef to the brink.
"The Sunshine State is already feeling the effects of climate change, and this is a recipe for more fires, floods, heatwaves and mass coral bleaching events.
"The Queensland Government has an obligation to protect the Reef from climate damage and do its fair share to help limit global warming to 1.5°C.
"Today's bill will do the opposite and jeopardise the 77,000 full-time jobs that rely on a healthy Reef.
"This will set Queensland on the wrong path, making it harder for our Sunshine State to establish itself as a genuine powerhouse in a future global economy built around plentiful clean energy.
"Queenslanders deserve better.
"The latest industry survey by the Queensland Renewable Energy Council shows there is ongoing uncertainty about the state's long-term commitment to renewable energy investment.
"There is a wealth of clean energy investment that could be coming to our state with the certainty of coal closure dates.
"Queensland has every opportunity to thrive with a clear and credible energy plan that drives down emissions and supports well-sited renewable energy to replace our increasingly unreliable coal power stations."
