We have a shared vision for Queensland’s clean energy future. We want a Nature positive renewable energy industry that increases biodiversity in Queensland, while providing affordable and reliable clean energy.
Due to our national and state poor planning frameworks we are already seeing renewable energy development proposed and approved in environmentally significant areas. Destroying nature is not how we tackle climate change. Strong climate action means both putting nature and empowering our energy system.
We need updated national and state-wide planning frameworks that stop development in the places we need to protect.
We can get the clean energy roll out right if the Australian and Queensland governments action the following:
- Urgently deliver land-use, biodiversity and Cultural Heritage mapping, which should be ground-truthed before development, that guides the Renewable Energy Zone development and shows renewable energy developers where to build projects.
- Strengthen the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act as well as Queensland’s solar and wind planning regulations so that projects can’t proceed in unsuitable locations and habitat clearing is minimised. It’s also vital that Queensland has enforceable solar and wind planning codes that require community and First Nations engagement.
- Ensure justice is at the core of the energy transition by including the Regional Energy Transformation Partnerships Framework in statutory reforms and have a budget attached. At the very least any project delivered or backed by a government-owned corporation or in a
designated Renewable Energy Zone should deliver on the framework principles to empower communities and First Nations people, build local industry and protect nature. - Establish community reference groups that are empowered to make strategic decisions on the allocation of pooled community benefit funds so that renewable development delivers long-term for the community, and First Nations people.
- Work with local community reference groups, including local conservation groups, to identify and implement initiatives that will enhance environmental outcomes, beyond statutory requirements, in the regions hosting renewable energy projects. These community groups should be engaged from the early planning phase, alongside First Nations people.