4 September 2024
The Premier and Opposition Leader were both quizzed on their policy positions last night in front of 1,000 people at the Queensland Community Alliance’s Maroonprint Assembly.
Opposition Leader David Crisafulli would not commit to supporting Queensland’s renewable energy targets, which Shadow Energy Minister Deb Frecklington had previously indicated the LNP supported.
“We’re grateful that the Opposition Leader came and listened to the community last night, but we’re very concerned that David Crisafulli wouldn’t commit to the state’s 2032 and 2035 renewable energy targets,” said Stephanie Gray, campaigner at the Queensland Conservation Council.
“We can’t reach Queensland’s emission reduction commitments if the next government walks away from the state’s renewable energy targets.
“New polling we commissioned of 2,000 Queenslanders found that 57 per cent agree we need to quickly bring online more renewable energy to prevent energy supply shortfalls and bring down power prices.
“54 per cent of Queenslanders polled want the LNP to support the state’s renewable energy targets because people get it that policy certainty is vital for encouraging new clean energy investment, and slashing power bills and climate pollution.
“Voters deserve clarity from the Queensland LNP on what their energy transition plan will be if they’re elected in October.”
At the event the Premier announced $116 million in joint funding with the Federal Government to support the roll out of solar and energy efficiency upgrades in 32,000 social homes, a welcome move according to QCC.
“The energy transition is an opportunity to put the power back in the hands of the people and build a fairer energy system. Policy solutions like this are key stepping stones to achieve that,” said Ms Gray.
“Alongside the Queensland Community Alliance, we’ve been calling for governments to deliver funding and policies to make sure that everyone, including renters and social housing tenants, can access the benefits of clean technology.
“The equitable roll out of solar and energy efficiency upgrades is a win for getting down climate pollution and a win for helping vulnerable consumers slash their power bills.”
[ENDS]
Media contact: Stephanie Gray 0425 543 006
Key poll statistics:
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The majority (57%) agree we need to bring more renewables online quickly to prevent supply shortfalls and bring down power prices, including 53% of regional Queenslanders.
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54% support Queensland’s current renewable energy targets or think they should be set higher, with 14% unsure. Those over 54 are more likely to say we shouldn’t have renewable energy targets at all (24%) compared to 18-25 year olds (5%).
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More regional Queenslanders support the current renewable energy targets or think they should be set higher (49%) compared to those that think they should be lower or non-existent (36%).
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54% agree that all major political parties should support the current renewables targets or campaign for higher ones, with 22% saying they don’t know.
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57% agree the current renewable energy targets should be maintained to encourage investment in clean energy, with 23% saying they don’t know.
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52% agree that maintaining the current renewable energy targets will help establish new clean manufacturing industries in Queensland, with 29% unsure. The largest share (49%) of regional Queenslanders agree whereas 30% don’t know.
Polling commissioned by Queensland Conservation Council and conducted by DemosAU between 1 and 7 August 2024.
Polling was based on a sample of 2,221 Queensland adults aged 18+ who are eligible and intending to vote at the upcoming October 2024 State Election.
Contact details:
Media contact: Stephanie Gray 0425 543 006 stephanie.gray@qldconservation.org.au
