Queensland is over halfway to our 2030 renewable energy target, with renewables generating over 27% of Queensland’s energy needs while avoiding 16 million tonnes of emissions each year and creating 9,000 jobs.
From over 1,000 conversations during the renewable energy zone (REZ) readiness assessment for the anticipated Callide Renewable Energy Zone, locals show that regional communities want greater engagement, accessible advice, real choices, clearer information, protection of high-quality agricultural land and greater tangible benefits from the clean energy transition.
New frameworks are ensuring local knowledge shapes where and how the next phase of renewable energy projects are built to not only reach targets, but protect what matters to locals and deliver lasting benefits to communities.
In response to detailed consultation and advocacy from stakeholders, the updated Wind Code, released today, strengthens protections for communities and the environment while providing clarity and certainty for industry.
Key features of the updated code include:
- Enhanced protection for areas of high ecological and biodiversity value
- Safeguards for the Great Barrier Reef against construction impacts
- Identification and assessment of viable haulage routes from the outset
- Best practice acoustic criteria
- Clear rehabilitation requirements and expectations, and
- Investigation into the impact of construction on local workforces and accommodation.
The Miles Labor Government has also developed a draft Renewables Regulatory Framework for consultation from today.
The framework proposes to explore initiatives that improve outcomes through responsible development of renewable energy including:
- Building on the wind code review with stage 2 to consider other energy infrastructure such as solar
- An expanded role for the state environment agency including a review of identified Environmentally Relevant Activities
- Setting standards on lifecycle planning including financial assurance for decommissioning
- Expanding the role of the Energy and Water Ombudsman to include landholder and community complaints
- Increasing access to information about projects through an online portal, guidance materials, and independent analysis.
The Draft Renewables Regulatory Framework builds on existing initiatives underway to support strong and sustainable energy communities across Queensland including expanding the remit of the Gasfields Commission Queensland to establish Coexistence Queensland which was informed by advocacy from the Local Government Association of Queensland.
Coexistence Queensland will provide enhanced information, engagement and education services to the community on land access and coexistence issues across the resources and renewable energy sectors.
The Miles Labor Government has also been working with regional communities to co-design the nation’s first mandatory Code of Conduct.
The code will hold renewable energy developers to the highest standards and ensure they engage genuinely with communities, including First Nations groups and landholders, when developing, building and operating new generation and storage projects.
These important reforms will ensure Queenslanders keep on track to reap the jobs, new industrial growth and emissions reductions from renewable energy while importantly, being led by locals and their communities on how to deliver the clean, affordable, reliable energy needed to make that happen.
The Miles Labor Government is committed to delivering what matters for Queensland, as we unlock the opportunities of a clean energy future.
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