Queensland Government must act to reduce dependence on coal

Minister for Mines and Energy, Geoff Wilson, has had a CSIRO report on his desk for over a year which concludes that Queensland has sufficient renewable resources to provide 100% of its electricity.

"Its time to unlock those resources and announce a plan to phase out the dirtiest coal-fired power stations and phase-in renewable energy," said Toby Hutcheon, Executive Director of QCC

In a presentation on his review (Brisbane 11 July) Prof Ross Garnaut made it clear that Queensland’s very high emissions were due to an over-dependence on coal-fired electricity.

"The solution is clear, its time for Minister Wilson to respond with an effective and measurable Renewable Energy Phase-In Plan for the state," said Hutcheon

"As the state with the highest emissions and the most vulnerable, it would be irresponsible for the Government to fail to act immediately, given the extreme impacts that climate change will have on the Queensland environment, economy and people," concluded Mr Hutcheon