The Climate Council has welcomed the introduction of Queensland’s Clean Economy Jobs Bill 2024, which lays out ambitious strategies to accelerate the shift towards renewable energy sources and simultaneously reduce pollution levels.
Dr Jennifer Rayner, head of Advocacy at the Climate Council, lauded the Clean Economy Jobs Bill as a catalyst for a “bright, clean energy future.”
She affirmed, “Queenslanders will benefit from the bright, clean energy future that this law enables with rapidly growing industries that are creating regional jobs for generations to come.”
Dr Rayner stressed that formalising these initiatives into law is anticipated to instil confidence among businesses, particularly in regional sectors, and propel investments in renewable energies.
She emphasised the potential for continued economic growth, citing ongoing developments in areas like Townsville, Gladstone, and Mackay.
“Working together now to cut climate pollution and keep communities safe from worsening extremes is sensible, responsible, and economically smart,” asserted Dr Rayner.
She urged parliamentary action, advocating for a unified “Team Queensland” approach to expedite the legislation’s implementation and empower clean energy and industry sectors to flourish.
Dr Rayner also warned against the approval of projects that contribute to heightened pollution levels, cautioning that such decisions undermine the state’s commendable progress and compound climate-related risks and costs.
Against the backdrop of recent natural disasters, including floods, bushfires, and storms, she stressed the urgency of prioritising sustainable practices to safeguard communities and secure Queensland’s future prosperity.
“Approving new, highly-polluting projects like the Winchester South coal mine undermines the state’s positive momentum, and will pile more climate risks and costs onto communities who are still reeling from flooding rains, deadly bushfires and destructive storms,” she concluded.
