The Australian Conservation Foundation has welcomed the Queensland Government’s announcement of a $500 million Renewable Energy Fund for state-owned energy corporations to invest in renewable energy.
“This is exactly the kind of investment the Queensland Government should make to get the economy back on its feet and help protect the state from the worst impacts of climate change,” said ACF campaigner Jason Lyddieth.
“With today’s fund and the recent announcement of $145 million for the development of Renewable Energy Zones, the Palaszczuk Government is beginning to show the ambition needed to make Queensland a leader in renewable energy.
“ACF calls on the LNP to support this initiative and announce its climate and energy policies well before the 31 October state poll.
“Queensland could and should be a renewable energy superpower. Today’s announcement is a significant step towards that sunny future.
“We have unrivalled sun, good wind, the skills and infrastructure to build a thriving Queensland powered by clean energy.
“Recent polling for ACF shows almost three quarters of voters support an economic recovery plan that creates jobs in climate solutions.
“While this is a strong announcement, Queensland needs to do a lot more to do our fair share to act on climate change.
“ACF looks forward to more announcements on how our political representatives are going to achieve 30% emissions cuts by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.
“Burning coal and gas is the number one driver of climate change. To protect our natural treasures like the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest and our way of life, we need a plan to transition to clean energy and support communities, workers and their families into new opportunities and the industries of the future.”
