The Queensland Labor government will establish a renewable energy “code of conduct” for developers amid the state’s net zero push.
The government, which is facing an election in 2024, introduced legislation into parliament to cut climate change emissions by 75 percent in February.
In the latest development, the government will set up a mandatory renewables code of conduct. The Miles government is touting that the code will set a new standard for social licences in the community.
A social licence refers to the amount of approval and acceptance in the community for a renewable energy project to go ahead.
A $20 million (US$12.9 million) taxpayer funded investment will be injected into the venture, which the government slates will “ensure communities can engage in, and share the benefits of the transition.”
The code will be designed together with stakeholders to enable renewable energy developers to engage with landholders and communities when they are developing new projects.
The government says the development of a code of conduct was in response to feedback from the community on the Energy Transformation Bill.
“The code is intended to focus on demonstrating tangible benefits for communities, including improvements to infrastructure, jobs, local economy, the environment and social fabric,” the government said.
“In developing the code, the Miles government will consider the findings of the Commonwealth’s Independent Community Engagement Review. It will be co-designed collaboratively with the energy, environment, and agriculture sectors.”
The Labor government said local councils, elders, and the community will play an important role ensuring the renewable transition “reflects best practice” and assists regional communities.
Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Mick De Brenni said he expects this “nation-leading code” will put communities at the forefront of the energy transition.
“We already have stringent environmental assessments and approvals that must occur before any renewable energy project can get up and running. This code could help ensure social licence is at the forefront of these projects progressing,” he said.
“I expect that this nation-leading code will put communities firmly at the forefront of the energy transition, because they should have a genuine seat at the table when it comes to decisions in their local area.
“And, the message from the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner in the independent Community Engagement Review is clear: communities must have a genuine seat at the table.”
Queensland Farmers Federation (QFF) CEO Jo Sheppard said there is no transition without successful engagement with regional and rural Queensland.
“QFF welcomes the code of conduct and the Local Energy Partnerships Initiative which are both important steps in setting standards for energy developer’s social licence requirements and supporting the priorities of regional communities,” she said.
In 2023, farmers and landowners held a “rally against reckless renewables protest” to voice opposition to large-scale renewable projects in the state.
Opposition Presses Government On Electricity Prices and Youth Crime
Renewable energy has been a major focus of the government during the current sitting week in Queensland. However, the Opposition is continuing to focus on youth crime and cost of living.Deputy Leader of the Opposition Deb Frecklington raised concerns that the Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro project’s cost blowouts may drive up electricity prices.
“Given that, will the premier tell Queenslanders what the impact to their electricity bills will be from the multibillion dollar blowout of the Pioneer pumped hydro project?”
In response, Mr. Miles claimed renewables would “always be cheaper than nuclear power.”
“We know that those opposite want to replace our pumped hydro schemes with nuclear power plants. We know that nuclear power will cost more than five times more than stored renewables,” he said.
Meanwhile, Opposition leader David Crisafulli is continuing to keep the conversation on youth crime, promising to implement laws to keep the state safer if he wins government in October 2024.
“Making Queensland Safer Laws will be our first order of business if Queenslanders vote for change,” he said.
“Queenslanders have told me what it’s like to have your home invaded or car smashed. That’s why I won’t accept this latest failure from the Palaszczuk-Miles Government.”
He said the Miles government still hasn’t appointed a victim representative to the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council, despite promising to several months ago.
“In November, the government announced a victim would be added to the Sentencing Advisory Council,” Mr. Crisafulli said in parliament.
“Some 138 days later, that promise remains unfulfilled. If crime truly is a priority for the third-term Labor government, why are offenders represented on the Sentencing Advisory Council while victims are not?”
As part of his response, Mr. Miles said, “As we have committed, we are recruiting victim representatives to those roles and we will have more to say about it once the recruitment process has been concluded.”
