Queensland launches climate action, jobs plan

Queenslanders are set to benefit from a stronger focus on more jobs in more industries and cleaner, cheaper energy under the state’s new climate and economic blueprint, released today.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon unveiled the online-based Climate Action Plan 2030, outlining the sunshine state’s roadmap to reach its emissions and renewables targets, create jobs and drive economic recovery from COVID-19.

“We are seizing the opportunity to establish Queensland as a national leader in a low-carbon economy and create 185,000 jobs, the most out of any state in the country,” the Premier said.

Premier Palaszczuk said the plan would be driven by investment in energy, resources, manufacturing, transport, land and agriculture, tourism and climate-resilient infrastructure – and by a team of ministers led by her.

“Since 2015, my government has invested more than $4 billion in this space with 44 large-scale renewable energy projects playing a big part in where our economy and recovery from COVID-19 is today.

“The plan builds on our work to-date like the $2 billion renewable energy fund, the world’s longest network of electric vehicle chargers, our trailblazing Land Restoration Fund and Australia’s only publicly-owned renewable energy company Clean Co.

“Queensland is home to the most unique environment in the world – it’s one of the key reasons why we were successful in securing the 2032 Olympic Games.

“To protect it, and to grow our economy, we must act on climate change and create more jobs in more industries.”

Minister Scanlon said the first action item off the rank would be the launch of the second round of funding for the Land Restoration Fund.

“Queensland is almost halfway to meeting its 2030 emissions reduction target, and this plan will put us in the fast lane for more jobs in more diverse industries,” Minister Scanlon said.

“It will allow Queenslanders to see what actions our state is taking, and as a living online document it’ll allow us to add more actions.

“That begins with $25 million for the second round of our Land Restoration Fund.

“After our first round saw more than 600 jobs created, 1.8 million hectares of land restored and more than 1.9 million tonnes of carbon out of our atmosphere, we’re putting the call out for even more projects.

Minister Scanlon said the government will be engaging with Queensland’s industries and communities over the coming months to build on future action.

“Queensland is home to the sunshine and wind that are powering hundreds of thousands of homes, businesses and schools with cleaner, cheaper energy.

“The home of the new economy minerals that are critical to producing these technologies and the skilled workforce who can process and manufacture them.

“The home of the scientists and innovators who are charging up our hydrogen industry.

“And the home of millions of hectares of land perfect for new industries like carbon farming, delivering new income opportunities for our farmers while keeping carbon in the ground.

“Now is the time to seize these opportunities and set Queensland in a nation-leading position for the future.”

To view the plan head to: www.des.qld.gov.au/climateaction

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078