- Queensland Government tables Clean Energy and Jobs Plan, which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2035
- North Queensland has suffered two devastating cyclones in a matter of weeks
- Queensland LNP must commit to protect Great Barrier Reef and way of life
The Queensland Government has taken a momentous leap forward in tackling climate change, the greatest threat to the Great Barrier Reef, by tabling its new greenhouse gas emissions reduction target in parliament today, the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) said.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles tabled the Clean Economy Jobs bill, which aims to cut carbon emissions by 75% by 2035 (compared with 2005 emissions levels) – a big increase on the previous 30% reduction target by 2030.
AMCS Chief Executive Darren Kindleysides said: “Queensland Premier Steven Miles’s Clean Economy Jobs bill is a big step forward in tackling climate change and protecting the Great Barrier Reef.
“The legislation can’t come soon enough, with extreme weather events battering the state and country, including North Queensland suffering the devastating impacts of two cyclones in just a matter of weeks.
“Climate change has been the driver of four mass bleaching events in the past seven years in the Great Barrier Reef, with concern for a fifth one during this current Niño period. El Niños bring more marine heatwaves, putting corals under immense heat stress.
“The Queensland Government must fast-track emission cuts this decade and keep working towards a higher emissions reduction target that is in line with limiting warming to 1.5°C – a critical temperature threshold for coral reefs.
“As well as setting greenhouse gas reduction targets with the plans and funding to meet and beat them, Queensland simply can’t continue to approve new coal mines if we are to ensure a safe climate for Queenslanders and our Reef.
“Climate change is the greatest threat to our way of life and iconic places such as the Great Barrier Reef. The Reef is our greatest natural asset and supports a $6 billion tourism industry and 64,000 jobs.
“We need commitment and stability in addressing climate change, which requires bipartisan support for this important initiative. We urge the Queensland Liberal National Party to support both the renewable energy and emissions reduction targets, to help protect the Reef and our way of life, support jobs that rely on healthy environments, and provide certainty for businesses and Queenslanders.
“This is the critical decade for the Great Barrier Reef. We need both major parties committing to strong climate action to protect our Reef and the thousands of regional jobs it supports.”
