QLD CLEAN JOBS PLAN: NEW REPORT
NEW ECONOMIC MODELLING from AlphaBeta has found up to 20,000 jobs can be created in Queensland, rapidly getting people back into the workforce while also tackling climate change.
“The Clean Jobs Plan identifies a dozen clean policy options which can create jobs fast, where they are needed and for people who need them most. The job creation could start immediately and continue over three years,” said AlphaBeta Director, Andrew Charlton.
“QLD has seen steep job losses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. But with the right policy measures, thousands of jobs can be created across the state in ecosystem restoration and large scale renewables, transmission and battery storage,” said Mr Charlton.
“Every dollar of public investment in large scale renewables would unlock $3 of private investment in the economy,” said Mr Charlton.
Report Key Findings
In QLD, up to 5,500 jobs can be created in ecosystem restoration and revegetation; up to 2,200 jobs in large scale renewables; up to 1,600 jobs in making homes more energy efficient; and up to 350 jobs from both research and development funding and green hydrogen facilities. Some jobs could be created now; all would be created within 3 years.
Across Australia 42% of the job opportunities identified are located in regional areas. Two big ticket items are large-scale renewable energy and ecosystem restoration.
Economic stimulus can pay long-term dividends and set us up for the future by creating jobs, kick starting the economy and tackling climate change simultaneously.
Investments in clean jobs will have a lasting benefit for the economy, reducing energy costs, producing reliable clean power and developing new industries.
“The opportunities identified in our modelling work are shovel ready and will make a difference throughout QLD. One third of the jobs would require less than 12 months of retraining, meaning that workers who lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 crisis could be rapidly employed,” said Mr Charlton.
“Queensland’s diverse ecosystems – from old-growth forests and grasslands, to complex marine ecosystems – all provide opportunities for significant restoration and revegetation projects,” said Ms McKenzie.
“The work involves protecting the Great Barrier Reef, which in turns helps the tourism industry. Jobs in ecosystem restoration can also protect agricultural land for generations to come,” she said.
The Queensland Government is currently in the process of mapping out several renewable energy zones throughout the state, including the Darling Downs Renewable Energy Zone.
“By declaring a renewable energy zone in the Darling Downs, the Queensland Government can help to accelerate investment. This will support local jobs and secure a steady pipeline of renewable energy projects in the Toowoomba area and broader region,” said Ms McKenzie.
“The Clean Jobs Plan is unique because of the speed at which it can get people back to work. It sets us on a practical, jobs-rich path and focuses on areas most in need. It sets us up for the future, by creating jobs and tackling climate change. It’s a win-win solution,” said Ms McKenzie.
The Clean Jobs Plan was commissioned by the Climate Council. AlphaBeta is part of Accenture.
