MINISTERIAL STATEMENT: Energy and Jobs Plan

Hon. MAJ SCANLON (Gaven—ALP) (Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef
and Minister for Science and Youth Affairs) (10.40 am):

The Palaszczuk government is delivering the biggest reform to renewables and climate action in our state’s history. It means Queensland will soon be home to the world’s largest pumped hydro station, Australia’s largest wind farm and keep its title as the No. 1 state for solar rooftop penetration in the country.

By 2035, emissions from the energy sector—the state’s largest emitter—will be cut by 90 per
cent. By 2040, that number will be 96 per cent. This was a key part of our Climate Action Plan, and it
delivers real and meaningful reform to decarbonise Queensland’s largest emitting sector. As members
heard yesterday, we have been overwhelmed by feedback from industry stakeholders—from the
conservation movement, unions and industry. WWF’s Ariane Wilkinson said, ‘This is certainly going to
protect Queensland, particularly the Great Barrier Reef.’

We are not stopping there. Last week I announced $3 million for community and sporting groups
to take their own climate and renewable action. They will be able to install batteries, solar panels, small
scale wind generators and purchase energy efficient hot-water systems, lighting or whitegoods. I joined
the member for Cairns to make that announcement at the local BMX club, which received $30,000 to
purchase and install solar panels and a battery. For them, it means they will be able to save money by
generating and storing their own power during the day and using it at night when they host events. We
are able to deliver our $62 billion Energy and Jobs Plan, with cheaper and cleaner power, because the
Palaszczuk government has kept and will keep our energy assets in public hands.