Latest news with #QueenslandConservationCouncil
The Guardian
21-07-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Murray Watt urged to intervene after accusations proposed Queensland coalmine clearing land in greater glider habitat
Conservationists have called on the environment minister, Murray Watt, to intervene after satellite images appear to show clearing in threatened species habitat at the site of a proposed coalmine in Queensland. Images and drone footage obtained by the Queensland Conservation Council over the past two months appear to show large areas of bushland cleared at the site of Magnetic South's proposed Gemini coalmine near Dingo in central Queensland. Public documents released under freedom of information laws show the environment department told the company in 2022 it strongly recommended referral of the project to consider whether it required an assessment for potentially significant impacts on the Brigalow ecological community, and species including the greater glider, koala and bridled nail-tail wallaby. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email The council wrote to Watt last month alerting him and the federal environment department's compliance unit to what it claimed was the removal of 'approximately 200 hectares of greater glider habitat' since late May in an area earmarked for an open coal pit. The council wrote it had 'urgent concerns' that construction of the mine might have commenced without referral of the project for an assessment under Australia's environmental laws. The proposed metallurgical coal project, which would produce up to 1.9m tonnes of coal a year, has attracted concerns in the past due to a Queensland government decision not to require an environmental impact statement and opposition from graziers. In its letter to Watt, the Queensland Conservation Council asked whether the alleged clearing had been approved by the federal government and whether the government needed to take enforcement action. The council wrote it believed the clearing could be unlawful and that it expected Watt's department 'to take urgent action accordingly to protect this culturally and ecologically significant place'. The council's coal and gas campaigner, Charlie Cox, said Watt needed to urgently step in. 'There is now drone footage, satellite imagery, and traditional owners on the ground all suggesting that yet another coal corporation has taken it upon themselves to start building their mine without the relevant federal approvals,' she said. Cox called on the minister to use enforcement powers to stop the alleged clearing and to call the project in for a federal assessment. 'Murray Watt is committed to reforming our environment laws that are woefully failing nature, he needs to actually enforce the existing laws too,' she said. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion Zhanae Dodd is a Ghungalu woman and founder of Guyala Yimba, an Indigenous human rights consultancy. Ghungalu custodians have a camp at the proposed mine site, where they have been conducting cultural ceremony since early this month. 'We're out there engaging in ceremony and keeping a fire burning,' Dodd said. 'We need to preserve these sites because on our country already there are that many mines destroying country, why do we need one more?' In a letter the council received on Friday, the federal environment department said it was 'aware of the alleged actions and potential impacts to threatened species and ecological communities protected by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act'. The department said it was engaging with Magnetic South 'regarding their obligations under the act'. A spokesperson for the federal environment department said 'the department is in receipt of the allegations'. 'As the investigation is ongoing the department will not provide further comment.' Guardian Australia sought comment from Watt and Magnetic South.
ABC News
24-06-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Hydro-electric billions earmarked for projects but Queensland not showing 'whole picture'
Queensland's renewable energy plans have become a little clearer, but advocates say they still cannot see how the state will meet its goals of reaching net zero by 2050. 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.
ABC News
19-06-2025
- Business
- ABC News
'Chaotic signals' from Queensland government causing uncertainty and wavering investor confidence in renewable energy sector
Queensland renewable energy and conservation groups say there's uncertainty and wavering investor confidence being caused by the state government's mixed messages on energy policy. The Crisafulli government has committed to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and made it clear it backs pumped hydropower, wind and solar projects. But decisions to extend the life of publicly-owned coal-fired power stations beyond 2035, expand gas exploration and call in certain wind farm projects has raised concerns. The Queensland Conservation Council said the government had created "energy policy chaos", which was impacting large scale renewable energy investment. "The Queensland government is all over the shop on energy right now," campaigner Stephanie Gray said. "All of this sends chaotic signals to investors and basically it sends the signal that investors should take their money to other states. "If we're not building new energy supply, it means that we're not managing power bills, we're not bringing down emissions and critically, it means we're not doing the planning to make sure the renewable roll out benefits nature and communities." A recent member survey by industry body, the Queensland Renewable Energy Council (QREC), found low levels of confidence in current state government policies regarding investment certainty. About 26 per cent of respondents "strongly disagreed" with the statement that the Queensland government's policy settings effectively promoted investment certainty in renewables. Thirty-three per cent "disagreed" and 35 per cent were "neutral" in response to the statement. More than 45 members took part in the survey with more than a third identifying as renewable energy developers and operators. QREC chief executive Katie-Anne Mulder said two surveys had been conducted since last September and the results showed a drop in positive sentiment regarding investment certainty. "So what do investors need — they need clarity on what is the road map for Queensland, where do renewables sit in that, as well as to be really clear, what's the role of coal-fired power?" She said. "I think we all acknowledge we need a responsible transition, but what does that mean in terms of the time frames for shutting down the coal fired power stations? "An investor — whether it be domestic or international — they're going to be looking at those time frames because they want to ensure they have a strong market signal for long term investment in Queensland." Energy Minister David Janetzki rejected that the state government wasn't being clear with its energy policies in regards to renewables. "I think our energy position is actually clear," he said at a press conference in Toowoomba last Friday. "We want to bring communities along in relation to those renewable projects, but I send clear messages as energy minister that I want to see more investment, particularly from the private sector into renewables projects. "There are significant projects that are necessary and on the books with respect to renewables." He pointed to the CopperString transmission line project in north-west Queensland, proposed wind farm projects in Hughenden and the Borumba pumped hydro project near Gympie. Mr Janetzki is working on a five-year energy road map to chart the state's path to net zero which is due for release by the end of the year. It's a document widely anticipated by the energy sector with the plan expected to detail what renewable energy mix the state will need to reach net zero and when coal-fired power stations could close. The former Labor government previously committed to ending reliance on state-owned coal fired power generators by 2035 — and proposed turning them into renewable energy hubs. But Premier David Crisafulli made it clear during the election campaign in October, an LNP government would continue to keep coal generators running for longer. State-owned clean energy company CleanCo chief executive Tom Metcalfe said there would come a time when the state's coal-fired power stations would need to be wound down. "But eventually as we think of the energy transition and as the coal units come to the end of their lives, we need to have a plan." CleanCo runs the state's only operating pumped hydro power station at Wivenhoe Dam near Brisbane. The LNP has flagged gas will play a key role with coal as the state transitions to lower carbon emissions, and wants to tap into the state's vast gas reverses. Gas exploration and generation will be expanded, and additional projects such as a gas peaker at Kogan Creek and two gas-fired generation projects are being progressed by CleanCo and Stanwell. Before the state election last October, the LNP pledged to scrap legislated renewable energy targets — to reach 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030, 70 per cent by 2032 and 80 per cent by 2035. Earlier this year, Mr Janetzki tasked the newly-established Queensland Productivity Commission to review energy policy, productivity and emissions by September 1. It will review the Clean Economy and Jobs Bill and Renewable Transformation Act — which includes the state's three emissions reduction targets. The LNP says the state has already met the target to cut emissions by 30 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030, and remains committed to reach net zero by 2050. But that means the target of reducing carbon emissions by 75 per cent by 2035 is in doubt. Ms Gray said if the state government ditched emissions targets, it would be breaking an election promise to Queensland voters. "The Crisafulli government was elected after they showed bipartisan support for Queensland's emission reduction targets, and what we're seeing right now is them walk away from those commitments," she said. "It would be really disappointing for the Crisafulli government to break their promise to Queenslanders and if they keep going down this track, they won't be able to meet either emission reduction target." Adding to the uncertainty has been recent planning law changes to wind farm developments and a number of projects being called in by the planning minister Jarrod Bleijie. The changes — introduced in February — require wind farm development applications to be subject to impact assessments, therefore requiring statutory public consultation and third party appeal rights. In May, the Moonlight Range Wind Farm proposal in central Queensland was axed by Mr Bleijie, citing a lack of community consultation, limited worker accommodation availability and environmental impacts. Changes to planning laws are also being considered by a parliamentary committee, which could make it harder for any renewable energy project to apply for state approvals such as requiring a social impact assessment and a community agreement with local councils. Ms Mulder said since the law changes there had been no new wind farm project applications in Queensland. "Investors like to see really clear goal posts, what's the assessment process look like," she said. "At the moment there's a bit of wash going through, where we're not quite clear on what the end product looks like, is this the end of reforms for the sector? Or halfway through? … So it's a little up in the air for our members at the moment." Ms Mulder said the changes before parliament would also impact renewable projects given the work needed to complete the assessments and council agreements. "If this bill goes through, there's no doubt that there will be delays to projects that I would expect would be upwards of 12 months," she said. Mr Janetzki said it was important renewable energy projects had community confidence and support before being approved. "Those reforms are all about getting that community consultation right, impact accessible must be part of that," he said last Friday. "In the same way that any large scale project seeks community responses and consultation, it's appropriate it be done for renewable projects too, so that's what that bill is all about delivering." Grattan Institute's energy and climate change program director Tony Wood said it was clear during the state election the LNP was going to reshape Queensland's energy plan if it won government. He said the sector expected the uncertainty to be clarified at the end of year, once the road map was released. "I think right now there's a lot of messiness, it can be resolved, and I'm hoping it will be resolved by the government. "But in the short term, all the things that we're referring to, make it uncertain, unclear, impose more risks, risks mean more delays, more delays mean more cost."
The Advertiser
03-06-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
'Go back to drawing board': 2032 planning laws slammed
Controversial laws set to fast track 2032 Olympic projects have come under fire, with a state government told to "go back to the drawing board". An environmental group says the laws to help ensure Games infrastructure is built on time will set a dangerous precedent, detracting from the inclusivity that 2032 organisers hope to create. The clock is ticking for the Games after the Queensland government finally confirmed its venue blueprint in March, more than 1300 days after Brisbane was named host city. A bill has been introduced to state parliament giving the Games infrastructure authority power to override 15 planning laws, including the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts. The laws covering all venues and the athletes villages are set to ensure construction is not delayed by potential legal challenges, with the final planning sign-off given to the state government - not local councils. The bill will also require renewable energy developers to undertake community consultation. In submissions heard on Tuesday, the Queensland Conservation Council took aim at the government's 'blinding hypocrisy'. "It is incredibly inconsistent that this bill is trying to apply greater consultation to renewable energy projects and literally ripping up any process for community and consultation on our existing laws for Olympic facilities", the council's Dave Copeman told the hearing. "The hypocrisy is kind of blinding." Brisbane organisers have targeted inclusivity as a key pillar of the 2032 Games. But Mr Copeman claimed the laws flew in the face of that goal, saying they bypassed not only planning legislation but also First Nations people's concerns. An advocacy group is raising money for a legal challenge exploring the proposed 2032 main stadium's impact on inner-city Victoria Park, saying it will destroy a site of significance to First Nations communities. "It's going to create ... a terrible story to tell to the visitors who are coming - 'Welcome to to this great facility where we got rid of the rights of First Nations people, but we want to celebrate their culture here'," Mr Copeman said. "We've got enough time to build the facilities we need while honouring our existing laws. "I'd take your pencils out ... there's some real work for this committee to do." Louisa Bonner, the CEO of charity Ngaran Goori, said First Nations communities should be consulted about what's happening on country and how it affected them. "We feel like we're being dragged along to have to agree with something," she told the committee. "It's not that we either agree or disagree, it's just we don't have that depth of relationship or consultation or understanding around that, or even consideration." Victoria Park in Brisbane's inner-city is expected to become the Brisbane Games hub, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built. Advocacy group, Save the Victoria Park, is raising money for the legal challenge exploring the main stadium's impact on the heritage status and environment at the park, which is celebrating its 150th year. Controversial laws set to fast track 2032 Olympic projects have come under fire, with a state government told to "go back to the drawing board". An environmental group says the laws to help ensure Games infrastructure is built on time will set a dangerous precedent, detracting from the inclusivity that 2032 organisers hope to create. The clock is ticking for the Games after the Queensland government finally confirmed its venue blueprint in March, more than 1300 days after Brisbane was named host city. A bill has been introduced to state parliament giving the Games infrastructure authority power to override 15 planning laws, including the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts. The laws covering all venues and the athletes villages are set to ensure construction is not delayed by potential legal challenges, with the final planning sign-off given to the state government - not local councils. The bill will also require renewable energy developers to undertake community consultation. In submissions heard on Tuesday, the Queensland Conservation Council took aim at the government's 'blinding hypocrisy'. "It is incredibly inconsistent that this bill is trying to apply greater consultation to renewable energy projects and literally ripping up any process for community and consultation on our existing laws for Olympic facilities", the council's Dave Copeman told the hearing. "The hypocrisy is kind of blinding." Brisbane organisers have targeted inclusivity as a key pillar of the 2032 Games. But Mr Copeman claimed the laws flew in the face of that goal, saying they bypassed not only planning legislation but also First Nations people's concerns. An advocacy group is raising money for a legal challenge exploring the proposed 2032 main stadium's impact on inner-city Victoria Park, saying it will destroy a site of significance to First Nations communities. "It's going to create ... a terrible story to tell to the visitors who are coming - 'Welcome to to this great facility where we got rid of the rights of First Nations people, but we want to celebrate their culture here'," Mr Copeman said. "We've got enough time to build the facilities we need while honouring our existing laws. "I'd take your pencils out ... there's some real work for this committee to do." Louisa Bonner, the CEO of charity Ngaran Goori, said First Nations communities should be consulted about what's happening on country and how it affected them. "We feel like we're being dragged along to have to agree with something," she told the committee. "It's not that we either agree or disagree, it's just we don't have that depth of relationship or consultation or understanding around that, or even consideration." Victoria Park in Brisbane's inner-city is expected to become the Brisbane Games hub, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built. Advocacy group, Save the Victoria Park, is raising money for the legal challenge exploring the main stadium's impact on the heritage status and environment at the park, which is celebrating its 150th year. Controversial laws set to fast track 2032 Olympic projects have come under fire, with a state government told to "go back to the drawing board". An environmental group says the laws to help ensure Games infrastructure is built on time will set a dangerous precedent, detracting from the inclusivity that 2032 organisers hope to create. The clock is ticking for the Games after the Queensland government finally confirmed its venue blueprint in March, more than 1300 days after Brisbane was named host city. A bill has been introduced to state parliament giving the Games infrastructure authority power to override 15 planning laws, including the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts. The laws covering all venues and the athletes villages are set to ensure construction is not delayed by potential legal challenges, with the final planning sign-off given to the state government - not local councils. The bill will also require renewable energy developers to undertake community consultation. In submissions heard on Tuesday, the Queensland Conservation Council took aim at the government's 'blinding hypocrisy'. "It is incredibly inconsistent that this bill is trying to apply greater consultation to renewable energy projects and literally ripping up any process for community and consultation on our existing laws for Olympic facilities", the council's Dave Copeman told the hearing. "The hypocrisy is kind of blinding." Brisbane organisers have targeted inclusivity as a key pillar of the 2032 Games. But Mr Copeman claimed the laws flew in the face of that goal, saying they bypassed not only planning legislation but also First Nations people's concerns. An advocacy group is raising money for a legal challenge exploring the proposed 2032 main stadium's impact on inner-city Victoria Park, saying it will destroy a site of significance to First Nations communities. "It's going to create ... a terrible story to tell to the visitors who are coming - 'Welcome to to this great facility where we got rid of the rights of First Nations people, but we want to celebrate their culture here'," Mr Copeman said. "We've got enough time to build the facilities we need while honouring our existing laws. "I'd take your pencils out ... there's some real work for this committee to do." Louisa Bonner, the CEO of charity Ngaran Goori, said First Nations communities should be consulted about what's happening on country and how it affected them. "We feel like we're being dragged along to have to agree with something," she told the committee. "It's not that we either agree or disagree, it's just we don't have that depth of relationship or consultation or understanding around that, or even consideration." Victoria Park in Brisbane's inner-city is expected to become the Brisbane Games hub, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built. Advocacy group, Save the Victoria Park, is raising money for the legal challenge exploring the main stadium's impact on the heritage status and environment at the park, which is celebrating its 150th year. Controversial laws set to fast track 2032 Olympic projects have come under fire, with a state government told to "go back to the drawing board". An environmental group says the laws to help ensure Games infrastructure is built on time will set a dangerous precedent, detracting from the inclusivity that 2032 organisers hope to create. The clock is ticking for the Games after the Queensland government finally confirmed its venue blueprint in March, more than 1300 days after Brisbane was named host city. A bill has been introduced to state parliament giving the Games infrastructure authority power to override 15 planning laws, including the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts. The laws covering all venues and the athletes villages are set to ensure construction is not delayed by potential legal challenges, with the final planning sign-off given to the state government - not local councils. The bill will also require renewable energy developers to undertake community consultation. In submissions heard on Tuesday, the Queensland Conservation Council took aim at the government's 'blinding hypocrisy'. "It is incredibly inconsistent that this bill is trying to apply greater consultation to renewable energy projects and literally ripping up any process for community and consultation on our existing laws for Olympic facilities", the council's Dave Copeman told the hearing. "The hypocrisy is kind of blinding." Brisbane organisers have targeted inclusivity as a key pillar of the 2032 Games. But Mr Copeman claimed the laws flew in the face of that goal, saying they bypassed not only planning legislation but also First Nations people's concerns. An advocacy group is raising money for a legal challenge exploring the proposed 2032 main stadium's impact on inner-city Victoria Park, saying it will destroy a site of significance to First Nations communities. "It's going to create ... a terrible story to tell to the visitors who are coming - 'Welcome to to this great facility where we got rid of the rights of First Nations people, but we want to celebrate their culture here'," Mr Copeman said. "We've got enough time to build the facilities we need while honouring our existing laws. "I'd take your pencils out ... there's some real work for this committee to do." Louisa Bonner, the CEO of charity Ngaran Goori, said First Nations communities should be consulted about what's happening on country and how it affected them. "We feel like we're being dragged along to have to agree with something," she told the committee. "It's not that we either agree or disagree, it's just we don't have that depth of relationship or consultation or understanding around that, or even consideration." Victoria Park in Brisbane's inner-city is expected to become the Brisbane Games hub, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built. Advocacy group, Save the Victoria Park, is raising money for the legal challenge exploring the main stadium's impact on the heritage status and environment at the park, which is celebrating its 150th year.
Sydney Morning Herald
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘Blinding hypocrisy': Laws to fast track 2032 Olympic projects come under fire
Controversial Queensland laws to fast track 2032 Olympic projects have come under fire, with the Crisafulli government told to 'go back to the drawing board'. An environmental group says the laws to help ensure Games infrastructure is built on time set a dangerous precedent, detracting from the inclusivity that 2032 organisers hope to create. The clock is ticking for the Games after the state government finally confirmed its venue blueprint in March – more than 1300 days after Brisbane was named host city. A bill has been introduced to state parliament giving the Games infrastructure authority power to override 15 planning laws, including the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation acts. The laws, which will cover all venues and athletes' villages, are set to ensure construction is not delayed by potential legal challenges, with the final planning sign-off given to the state government – not local councils. The bill will also require renewable energy developers to undertake community consultation. But in submissions heard on Tuesday, the Queensland Conservation Council took aim at the government's 'blinding hypocrisy'. 'It is incredibly inconsistent that this bill is trying to apply greater consultation to renewable energy projects and literally ripping up any process for community consultation on our existing laws for Olympic facilities,' the council's Dave Copeman told the hearing.
