On a brief visit to North Queensland, our new Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell (pictured, left) invited us to meet with him to discuss environmental priorities for the newly elected LNP State Government. Our meeting was also attended by Member for Townsville Adam Baillie (pictured, right). 

In our 30 minutes together, Minister Powell was able to answer some of our questions regarding the priorities and direction of the new government on a few key areas:

On climate change, the Minister affirmed his acceptance of the science and refuted claims of any climate skepticism. We raised the importance of investing in nature-based solutions for adaptation and providing a clear path to net zero as a matter of urgency. These messages were taken on board. We also learned that the Queensland Climate Adaptation Strategy is the responsibility of the Energy Minister, though QCoast2100 remains with DETSI.

On the energy transition, he described this government as “pro-renewables”, with a focus on consistency to help build social license. Small-scale pumped hydro projects will replace the proposed Pioneer-Burdekin project, driven by the private sector. We raised the importance of measuring cumulative environmental risks posed by any new water infrastructure projects, with lessons from our Burdekin Basin campaign. Queensland's renewable energy target is being reviewed. 

On tourism in national parks, the Minister confirmed that growth in nature-based tourism is a key deliverable of this government but believes this won't come at the expense of the environment. The Ecotourism Plan for Queensland’s Protected Areas is up for review, to incorporate feedback from industry. We expressed our support for this strategy as it currently stands and warned of the risk commercial interests could pose to our precious protected areas if conservation needs are not prioritised above tourism.

On an independent EPA for Queensland, he stated that this was not on this government’s agenda, but did express interest in working with community organisations and local members of parliament on environmental issues such as illegal dumping.

We are grateful for the opportunity to meet with the new Minister and look forward to holding him and his government accountable for their responsibility to protect Queensland's unique natural values into the future.