Greens release 10-year plan urging Qld government to close coal-fired stations

The Greens say Queensland is at risk of breaching the Paris Agreement unless the government overhauls its energy production.

The Greens have produced a 10-year plan to close coal-fired stations. Picture: Cameron Laird

Queensland risks being “laughed out of the room” over its climate policies, according to the Greens who have urged the Palaszczuk government to accelerate the closure of coal-fired stations and adopt a transition plan for the workforce.

The state government is expected to announce its 10-year energy plan soon, which Greens MP Michael Berkman said risks leading to Queensland breaching its Paris Agreement unless it includes the closure of the state’s power stations by 2030.

The climate-conscious party will announce its own plan for the coming decade on Monday which includes a staggered phase out of coal-fired stations over the next eight years.

Mr Berkman said this forecast factors in the three-year notice periods required by the Australian Energy Market Operator.

“Queensland Labor is talking a big game about building renewables, but their emissions targets are the real elephant in the room,” the party’s energy spokesman said.

Member for Maiwar Michael Berkman said the government’s looming 1-year energy plan must include the closure of coal-fired stations. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Josh Woning

“If they don’t stop burning coal by 2030, we’ll breach our Paris obligations and cook our climate.

“We’re lucky in Queensland to own our power stations, so the government can implement the energy transition demanded by climate science, while ensuring no worker loses their job or pay.”

The Member for Maiwar said the party’s plan included a jobs and income guarantee for coal workers transferring into the renewable energy sector ahead of Greens Senator Penny Allman-Payne moving a bill in federal parliament on Tuesday to establish a national energy transition authority.

Mr Berkman urged Queensland Labor to endorse its call for the authority, which aims to develop plans for coal and gas reliant communities to move away from fossil fuels and guarantee coal workers a job on equal or more pay.

“If they release a road map that says we want to keep burning coal beyond 2050 — the current plan — Queensland will be laughed out of the room next time we pretend to care about climate and hundreds of workers will be left to the whims of the market,” the Member for Maiwar said.

“Coal workers have kept the lights on in Queensland for decades. The government owes them a fair go, not more fairytales about burning coal forever.”