Reef alarm bells ringing after state energy policy upended

GREAT Barrier Reef protection organisations have spoken out about State Government plans to keep coal-powered stations open for longer and introduce more gas-fired stations, saying it will be disastrous for the environment and Far North Queensland tourism.

Energy Minister David Janetzki last week announced a five-year plan which was “committed to delivering affordable, reliable and sustainable energy to Queenslanders”. 

“We’re taking an approach based on economics and engineering, not ideology,” Minister Janetzki said. 

“Our five-year plan must ease pressure on our balance sheet, de-risk our energy future, and add significant generation capacity.”

This includes upgrades at the Callide coal-fired power station in Central Queensland with a view to keeping it open for about three years longer than the scheduled shut down in 2028.

“Coal generation will continue to play a central role in our grid,” Minister Janetzki said.

But a statement from environmental advocate Australian Marine Conservation Society called the announcement “pro-fossil fuel”.

“Queensland Energy Minister David Janetzki’s plan spells disaster for the Great Barrier Reef and the tourism jobs that rely on it, and if it goes through will lock Far North Queensland into even more climate disasters like floods, heatwaves, and coral bleaching,”  the statement read.

AMCS’s reef community campaigner Tanya Murphy said the group held a protest at Barron River MP Bree James’ office last week to draw attention to the policy change.

“Extending the life of coal fired power plants will delay our transition to renewables, and worsen climate impacts that are already devastating the Great Barrier Reef and the communities who rely on it,” she said.

“Any move to weaken climate targets or prolong coal is a betrayal of the Reef, of Queenslanders and of future generations.”