Bipartisan support for climate action in Queensland was celebrated by all parents when the LNP Opposition voted to legislate Queensland’s 75% by 2035 emissions reduction target in April 2024.
Nic Seton, CEO of Parents for Climate, said Queensland parents want to see the agreed 2035 emissions targets achieved, as promised, by future Queensland Governments.
But Mr Seton said recent comments by party leader David Crisafulli, suggesting that an LNP government would keep coal-fired power stations open ‘indefinitely’, have alarmed Queensland parents who want climate action for their kids.
“Queensland is already a world leader in rooftop solar uptake, with many families enjoying the financial benefits of lower energy bills,” said Mr Seton.
“And Queensland schools have led the country in installing air conditioning powered by cheap rooftop solar, to keep kids safe now and into the future. We want to see these initiatives extended to childcares and to the households that are currently locked out of these savings.
“Coal fired power stations should be closed as soon as possible to protect our kids and the next generation. We need to get on with the job of building a cleaner future, not spooking investment in clean energy by suggesting indefinite extensions of dirty, expensive coal stations.
“We want to see the LNP be true to their word, and meet their promise of reducing emissions by 75% by 2035. Extending coal fired power stations puts at risk the target that the LNP voted for and that Queensland parents want to see achieved.
“The LNP needs to confirm that it will continue to roll out wind, solar, hydro and batteries at a rate that will allow coal generators to close as soon as possible,” Mr Seton said.
“We’ve had constructive meetings with the Queensland LNP before, and we look forward to being able to discuss our ideas with the Opposition Leader as soon as possible.”