Ambitious renewable energy targets of 70% by 2032 and 80% by 2035, major supergrid infrastructure, a commitment to keeping a high level of public ownership across Queensland’s energy system, and a bold vision for the state to become an energy giant, form the backbone of the Palaszczuk Government’s Energy and Jobs Plan launched yesterday.
The 10-year plan shows a clear commitment to driving the transition to a lower emissions future with an acknowledgment that large-scale investment will be needed to meet the targets that have been set. The regions are to play a critical role in what is being called the clean energy industrial revolution.
QFF welcomed the release of the plan with CEO Jo Sheppard emphasising the importance of the Queensland Government providing a clear pathway through the energy transformation so that industry can make long-term investment decisions with confidence.
“Energy affordability and reliability are critical to the future of food production and sustainable growth in agriculture and regional communities across the State.” Ms Sheppard said.
“A transformation of this magnitude will bring with it many challenges that will need to be carefully managed so that existing industries and communities are protected and can benefit during the transition phase and into the long term future. Some of these challenges will include increased workforce pressures and competing land use issues, particularly in relation to priority agricultural land.”
“QFF is pleased to be working with the Department of Energy and Public Works in developing a toolkit that will serve as a practical guide to assist farmers in making an informed decision if they are in the position of considering hosting renewable infrastructure on their land.”
“Detailed planning, and extensive ongoing industry and community consultation are critical if stability for regional communities, energy supply, and affordable electricity is to be achieved while ensuring landholders are not adversely affected by the regional energy zones.”
“During this time of rapid change, it is important that transition strategies remain both consultative and consumer focussed and to this end, QFF welcomes the consultation on specifics planned to commence next month as well as the inclusion of the biennial review process within the plan.”
QFF supports commitments within the plan to developing strong social license across the renewable sector, activating local manufacturing opportunities, continuing regional grid modernisation, and enabling power of choice for customers.
The plan’s $4 million allocation to support the modernisation of bioenergy generation stands to enable innovation across industries such as sugar where millers alone have the capacity to almost quadruple their current generation from bagasse.
QFF hopes to see mechanisms in place to ensure state regulation aligns with federal regulatory innovation programs, on farm energy efficiency programs are continued and industries are supported to find the most effective ways to participate in the transformation to not only achieve lower emissions but also productivity gains to underpin a sustainable future for agriculture.
“Many farmers are already quite advanced in their own journey of reducing energy costs and emissions on farm via efficiency efforts, technology, and renewable energy infrastructure. It is important that state energy infrastructure and initiatives enable change at an industry and enterprise level so that communities, businesses and industry have the opportunity to determine their own future in the new world of energy” Ms Sheppard said.
“As volatility in global energy markets and power prices continue, there is a clear sense that we need to work together on this. Our journey to lower emissions energy must be meticulously planned and genuinely collaborative if we are to achieve the targets outlined in the plan and make sure energy reliability and affordability is maintained throughout the transformation” Ms Sheppard said.
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