Hydro-electric billions earmarked for projects but Queensland not showing 'whole picture'
Billions of dollars have been earmarked for hydro-electric power projects across the state in the Crisafulli government's first budget.
"We're seeing pieces of the investment that will be necessary, but not the whole picture," said Queensland Conservation Council director David Copeman.
Projects include the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project, west of the Sunshine Coast, Mount Rawdon at Mount Perry, west of Bundaberg, and Big T north of Toowoomba.
Meanwhile, the giant Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project, west of Mackay, has been scrapped entirely as part of an election promise.
Renewable energy advocates, like Mr Copeman, welcomed the investment but said they did not provide enough clarity on the state's energy transition.
"We still can't say we are going to see the type of investment in the places we need to make sure Queenslanders keep the light on [with renewable energy]," Mr Copeman said.
Mr Copeman said it was not clear whether the hydro-electric projects would help the energy transition as coal-fired power stations reach the end of their lives.
Mr Copeman said taxpayers could pay up to $400 million in additional annual costs to keep the Callide Power Station, west of Gladstone, operating from 2038 to 2041.
"That's a crazy expense. What we'd like to see is more investment in [renewable energy] storage," he said.
Worldwide Fund for Nature Australia's climate and energy spokesperson Ariane Wilkinson said the government should detail when it will move away from coal power.
Ms Wilkinson said it would help the industry transition away from fossil fuels.
"The economic evidence shows it's important to have certainty of a coal closure date," she said.
Ms Wilkinson urged the government to stick to its plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 75 per cent of 2005 levels by 2035.
"We consistently need to see regional communities having new opportunities and building new clean industries.
"The world is shifting to renewable energy, and Queensland needs to be in that game and taking advantage of our amazing renewable resources."
The budget details come as the state government is expected to release a five-year energy road map at the end of the year.
Queensland Renewable Energy Council CEO Katie Moulder said the loss of potential power from the Pioneer-Burdekin project was significant and more investment was needed to balance the energy grid.
"We're hoping to work with the government on that," she said.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said the government's "Energy Roadmap" to 2030 would provide certainty for investors, communities and consumers when it is released later this year.
The government also committed $2.4 billion to the CopperString project by 2028–29.
Meanwhile, the $1,000 for electricity bills rebates introduced as a short-term measure by the Labor government last year will not continue.
Mr Janetzki said a targeted electricity rebate scheme for vulnerable households, including seniors, pensioners and concession card holders, will increase by $14 to $386 with the government restoring annual indexation.
He said underinvestment in power plant maintenance had also resulted in higher power bills, with the budget papers showing $1.6 billion would be invested in Queensland's state-owned generation assets over five years.
That included major overhauls at Callide C, Tarong, and Wivenhoe Power Stations, and a minor overhaul of Callide Unit C4.
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