Premier and the man who wants his job tackle community election hit-list

The LNP has turned down renewable-energy transition commitments from a community alliance representing 32 Queensland organisations, while Labor Premier Steven Miles has promised to refit 32,000 social homes with energy-saving upgrades.

The Queensland Community Alliance – which represents 1.7 million people across its “three strong foundations” of faith, multiculturalism, and the trade union movement – asked for commitments from both parties across issues ranging from migrant worker support to childcare.

Responding to calls for solar infrastructure funding in rentals and social housing, Miles promised improvements to energy efficiency in 32,000 social houses, including improved fixed appliances, hot water and air-conditioning systems, with the aim of reducing power bills.

Premier Steven Miles agreed to many of the alliance’s requests, saying his government would commit to an 80 per cent renewables target by 2035.Credit: Catherine Strohfeldt

But he would not commit to “funding landlords to put solar on rooftops”. “We tried that, and it ended up being a taxpayer subsidy.”

Miles said the project would be 50/50 funded between state and federal governments to a total investment of $116 million.

He also committed to the 2022 renewable energy target of 80 per cent dependency by 2035, and said he would advocate to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for more ambitious renewable-energy transition plans.

LNP Opposition Leader David Crisafulli (front, second from left) and Miles (fourth from left) hear the views of the Queensland Community Alliance at St John’s Anglican Cathedral.

“I’ll be with the PM on Thursday night, and I’ll talk to him about it then,” he said.

But LNP leader David Crisafulli said his party would not commit to the 2035 goal, claiming it was not feasible.

“We didn’t sign up to the renewable energy target set by the state because we don’t believe there’s a credible path to get there,” he said.

However, he said his party had a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, and was prioritising emissions reductions options, particularly small-scale pump hydro.

Miles with members of the Queensland Community Alliance.

“We do have a plan to reduce the emissions that we produce from our energy sources,” he said. “We do have a plan to make sure that we can continue adding renewables to our system.”

A month earlier, the LNP said it would not support large-scale hydro pumps in Queensland.

The Queensland Conservation Council, part of the community alliance, was concerned over Crisafulli’s lack of commitment to the renewable energy targets.

“We can’t reach Queensland’s emission reduction commitments if the next government walks away from the state’s renewable energy targets,” campaigner Stephanie Gray said.

“Voters deserve clarity from the Queensland LNP on what their energy transition plan will be if they’re elected in October.”

Crisafulli did not make new financial commitments to the assembly, but promised to work with community groups before the end of the year with particular focus on youth crime, health, housing and cost of living.

“I won’t close the door on liaising with you,” he said, adding that the alliance was an important community voice.

“I’m not just someone who will say anything before an election.”