In the lead up to the election Queensland Labor this week announced several election promises.
Labor Premier Steven Miles released his Cheaper Energy Plan – his vision to establish a new state-wide publicly owned energy retailer and lock in an energy price guarantee, if elected this month. Through this retailer, all Queensland households and businesses will have access to more competition in the energy market, pushing down prices across the board. And through an energy price guarantee, Labor has committed to keeping energy prices in Queensland lower than the average mainland national energy market price if elected. On the Sunshine Coast, the $14.2 billion Borumba Pumped Hydro Project will be delivered as part of its $107 billion Big Build program that’s funding massive investments in the region’s energy network.
Labor says the 2,000 MW renewable energy project will provide the long-duration energy storage needed to reliably transition to Queensland’s future clean energy system. It will play a key role in reaching Queensland’s renewable energy targets of 80 per cent renewables by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2050.
Other Sunshine Coast projects as part of the $107 billion Big Build include a $40 million for a Local Renewable Energy Zone pilot in Caloundra; $109.8 million for the Bells Creek Central Zone Substation to help support residential growth; and $16.4 million for the Maleny Substation rebuild.
***
Labor Premier Steven Miles announced their Better Boating, Camping and Fishing plan which includes:
Building new, accessible boat ramps and car parks to make it easier to get out on the water
Free annual pass to fish in dams, with more stocked dams, more fish stock and better recreational facilities for campers and anglers alike
Net Free Zone Fund to establish new net free fishing zones in Moreton Bay after community consultation, to make more fish available for recreational fishers while protecting dugongs, turtles and dolphins. The combination of net free fishing zones in Moreton Bay to be implemented after community consultation, alongside the recently announced net free zone in the Mary River and removal of gill nets from the Great Barrier Reef by 2027.
