Following a submission made in late 2023, NQCC was invited to present to Queensland's Transport and Resources Committee on the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill 2023. Our Coordinator was one of just four representatives to speak at the Townsville hearing, and the only one providing a conservation perspective. We spoke in support of the Bill, and highlighted potential improvements (read our opening statement here). 

Other witnesses included Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill, Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith and Chris Lehmann of Master Electricians Australia. 

You can view the full transcript here. 

Our submission was a joint submission with other Queensland conservation councils whose regions are or will be directly impacted by the renewable energy transition. You can see the submission here.

BACKGROUND

On 24 October 2023, the Hon Mick de Brenni, the Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister for Public Works and Procurement introduced the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill 2023 into the Queensland Parliament.  The Bill was referred to the Transport and Resources Committee.   

View: Explanatory speech 
View: Bill 
View: Explanatory notes 
View: Statement of compatibility 

The purpose of the Bill is to:

• enshrine key commitments from the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, such as the following, in law:
  • build a clean and competitive energy system for the economy and industries as a platform for accelerating growth
  • deliver affordable energy for households and business and support more rooftop solar and batteries
  • drive better outcomes for workers and communities as partners in the energy transformation
• create the infrastructure frameworks needed to build the Queensland SuperGrid
• establish the governance and advisory functions for a smooth, coordinated transformation to support workers and communities.