Tuesday 11th of June 2024
The 2024–25 Queensland Budget will be released shortly by Treasurer Cameron Dick, with billions committed to the renewable energy sector and grid infrastructure, as well as initiatives to ease the cost of living such as subsidies for energy prices and public transport fares.
With the energy transition well underway, further investment and support for renewables will help create cheaper and more sustainable energy sources for Queensland households, it will also reduce the climate pollution which drives the extreme weather events that increase the cost of living in the forms of higher insurance cost, energy prices and grocery bills.
The following economic and renewable energy experts and community voices are available for interview.
To arrange interviews, please contact:
Climate Media Centre - Sean Kennedy 0447 121 378 sean.kennedy@climatemediacentre.org.au
ECONOMICS
Prof. John Quiggin, Economist at University of Queensland
Location: Brisbane, QLD
John Quiggin is prominent both as a research economist and as a commentator on national and state economic policy. He can offer expert economic analysis of how government loans and subsidies can affect renewable energy markets and related industries, and explain how public spending initiatives can affect cost of living pressures for Queensland communities.
QUEENSLAND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Vincent Dwyer, co-founder and CEO of Energy Estate and Director of Central Queensland Power
Location: Gladstone, QLD
Vincent is one of the region's most experienced industry leaders on major energy transition opportunities, working with local and global partners to accelerate impactful projects. For over 25 years he has been at the forefront of developments in the energy and infrastructure sectors in Australia and Asia, from major acquisitions and privatisations to the development of energy markets, the deployment of new technologies and the scaled development of renewable energy.
QUEENSLAND COMMUNITY
Anna Campbell, Executive Officer - Queensland Walks
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Queensland Walks is a community-based organisation who advocate to improve the conditions and profile of walking in Queensland and support and encourage government, organisations and agencies to improve policy and funding priorities to enhance walking. Anna’s experience in local government transport behaviour change programs such as Active School Travel and Travel Choice, and transport planning, physical activity health programs, advocacy and membership-based organisations means she can give expert commentary on the 50c public transport fares and explain the benefits of more Queenslanders embracing public transport.
Anna said: ”We are thrilled to hear that the state is introducing 50c fares for public transport in August, alongside Cross River Rail projects and accessible station upgrades. We would like to see the state go one step further and introduce project funding to upgrade footpaths so they are connected, accessible and shaded, especially surrounding public transport, and ensure we have high-quality safe crossings to the services.
“Lowered fares will see many Queenslanders return to public transport, and in some cases, use services for the first time. This is an exciting program for urban areas which will reduce congestion and private vehicle emissions.”
Dave Copeman, Director of the Queensland Conservation Council
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Dave Copeman is a key representative of the environment movement in Queensland. Dave is a trusted voice on the critical climate and conservation issues in Queensland, with a particular focus on the movement’s position on Queensland Government policies and initiatives.
Dave said ”We need to see more support for all households, including renters, to access the benefits of renewable energy. To build the scale of projects we need, we also desperately need to improve our planning frameworks to protect nature and make sure communities get long term benefits.
“David Crisafulli now faces a clear choice in his budget response. Does he stand with Peter Dutton’s climate wrecking betrayal, or outline a plan for the renewables rollout. His state LNP deserves praise for standing up to the federal LNP by supporting the 75% emissions reduction target by 2035, and opposing nuclear power as a distraction.
“Now he must come clean with Queenslanders on what his plan is for the energy transition in his budget reply. How would the state LNP commit to renewable energy for Queensland to act on climate and secure our economy?”
END
Contact details:
Climate Media Centre - Sean Kennedy 0447 121 378 sean.kennedy@climatemediacentre.org.au
