Queensland hits emissions reduction target eight years early

• Queensland reaches 30% emissions reduction target almost one decade ahead of schedule
• Emission reduction targets of 75% by 2035 and net zero by 2050 enshrined in legislation
• Land sector is leading the way on emission reduction with a significant reduction in land clearing

Queensland’s clean economy transformation is well underway, with the Sunshine State surpassing its first emissions reduction target almost a decade ahead of schedule.

Queensland has smashed its 2030 emissions reduction target of 30 per cent eight years ahead of schedule, with Federal Government data highlighting the Sunshine State reached a 35% reduction of emissions in 2022. 

The newest State Greenhouse Gas Inventory data – reflecting the 2022 numbers, was recently released by the Federal Government.

The report gives further proof of the success of Queensland’s vegetation management laws, which have reduced the amount of land clearing carried out across the state and resulted in significant emission reductions in the land sector.

Queensland Parliament locked into law further targets for emissions reduction this week, with the passage of the Clean Economy Jobs Bill.

The Bill enshrined emissions reduction targets into law, including 75 per cent by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2050.

Exceeding the 2030 target eight years early is further proof that targets drive action, and that the 75 by 35 target is credible and achievable. 

The Miles Government’s comprehensive action plan to deliver these further emissions reductions has been outlined in Queensland’s 2035 Clean Economy Pathway.

Quotes attributable to Minister Mick de Brenni:
“Queensland is tracking towards a low emissions future, and this announcement is further proof that our plan to decarbonise is succeeding.

“This is a huge step for Queensland, but we know there’s more work to be done.

“Now that we’ve hit our 30% emissions reduction target almost a decade early, we’re looking to our future targets, with a 75% emissions reduction by 2035, and Net Zero by 2050 firmly in our sights.

“Enshrining these new targets into law shows business, industry and community that we’re serious about tackling climate change and provides the certainty they need to get on with the job of reducing emissions.

“The Miles Government is serious about taking action on climate change and reaching 75% emissions reductions by 2030 – that’s why we’ve created the plan to get there.

“Unlike the LNP, we’re backing renewable energy in Queensland, because we know it’s the only way we can truly crack down on climate change.

“It’s an extraordinary step from the LNP to reject renewable energy targets and public ownership because it makes a mockery of their support for emissions reduction and makes hitting our targets unachievable.

“Our competitive advantage is that, under Labor, Queensland owns its energy assets, but all that’s at risk under an LNP Government, where Queenslanders can say goodbye to public ownership, job security and real action on climate."

Explainer/fast fact and or further information:

Each year, the Australian Government submits its National Greenhouse Gas Inventory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) each April. The inventory is two years in arrears, consistent with UNFCCC reporting rules.

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