June 6, 2023
The State Government has released draft legislation which aims to protect energy workers during the State’s transition to renewable energy.
The Job Security Guarantee and Fund is part of the Draft Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill 2023 which was released last week for feedback.
The State Government says the fund will secure energy workers’ access to jobs, training and financial assistance.
The Bill aims to enshrine into law the State Government’s previously released Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
The State Government has stated it wants to bring 22GW of new wind and solar projects online by 2035, supported by grid-scale batteries and pumped hydro storage.
The Bill would legislate these renewable energy targets: 50 per cent by 2030, 70 per cent by 2032 and 80 per cent by 2035.
It would also support 100 per cent ownership of Queensland’s powerline transmission and distribution network, as well the Borumba and Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro projects.
However, the private sector would also play a strong role, building and owning solar and wind generation facilities and other storage assets.
The legislation sets up planning and governance frameworks for the Renewable Energy Zones, a Queensland Energy System Advisory Board, Energy Industry Council, and the Queensland Renewable Energy Jobs Advocate.
The closing date for feedback is June 23.
