Solar and renewables key to achieving new Qld carbon reduction target and cost of living savings
Solar Citizens has welcomed the introduction of legislation for Queensland’s Clean Economy Jobs Bill and a 75% carbon reduction target for the state by 2035.
Heidi Lee Douglas, CEO at Solar Citizens, said, “Queensland is on the frontline of the impacts of climate-fuelled extreme weather events and the new carbon reduction target of 75% by 2035 makes the state well-placed to be part of the solution.
“The good news is reduced emissions and reduced energy bills go hand-in-hand – a win-win for households, communities and the economy.
“Queenslanders have already reduced emissions by installing a million rooftop solar installations, and now we need greater targeted financial support for more homes to access clean solar technology, including low-income households and people who live in apartments, rentals or social housing.
“The Federal Government has funds available to partner with state governments for energy efficiency for social housing, including solar on social housing, which depends on state government co-contribution.
“The NSW, Victorian, and Tasmanian governments have already committed to securing this support for social housing residents. The Queensland Government should do the same and help drive down the cost of living for Queenslanders who need it most while powering social homes with clean energy instead of polluting coal.
“Queensland’s natural advantage of abundant sun resources means it’s well-placed to become a clean energy powerhouse, develop innovation and new industries fuelled by renewables, create local jobs and grow local economies.
"The State of the Regions report [1] released last week told us regional areas will be among the biggest winners in the upcoming clean energy jobs boom on the way.
“Solar Citizens urges the Queensland LNP Leader David Crisafulli to extend bi-partisan support for the 75% carbon reduction target by 2035 and make the upcoming Queensland election a race to the top on delivering cost of living relief and renewable energy solutions,” Ms Douglas said
Heidi Douglas is available for interview
Media contact: Jane Garcia 0455 111 593
Background
The new State of the Regions 2024 report found,
“Occupations key to the clean energy workforce will need to increase by around 30 per cent, or around 213,000 workers, by 2033 [Australiawide]. Growth in employment from the net zero transformation is likely to be stronger in regional Australia than metropolitan Australia”.
A 2022 analysis by Solar Citizens found a 24,950 jobs would be created by 2030 in Townsville alone if it became a Renewable Energy Industrial Precinct – a hub for advanced manufacturing and processing that’s powered entirely by clean energy backed by storage and renewable hydrogen [2].
References:
[1] State of Australia’s Regions 2024
https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/state-of-australias-regions-2024.pdf
[2] Turning Townsville into a Renewable Industry and Hydrogen Powerhouse
https://www.solarcitizens.org.au/townsville_reip_report
