Qld introduces new Clean Economy Jobs Bill

The Climate Council has welcomed the presentation of Queensland’s Clean Economy Jobs Bill 2024, which spreads out ambitious strategies to speed up the shift towards sustainable power sources and at the same time decrease pollution levels.

Dr Jennifer Rayner, head of Advocacy at the Climate Council, commended the Clean Economy Jobs Bill as momentum for a “bright, clean energy future.”

“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,” said Rayner.

Dr Rayner focused on how formalising these drives into law is expected to impart certainty among businesses, especially in regional sectors, and push interests in sustainable power sources.

She highlighted the potential for proceeding with economic growth, referring to continuous improvements in regions 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,” said Rayner.

Dr Rayner also warned against the endorsement of projects that add to increased pollution levels and advised that such choices subvert the state’s commendable progress and compound environment-related risks and expenses.

Against the setting of late natural disasters, including floods, bushfires, and storms, she focused on the desperation of focusing on sustainable practices to protect 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,” Rayner added.