QUEENSLAND IS SPEEDING AHEAD of other states on rooftop solar installations and other moves to tackle climate pollution, according to a new report from the Climate Council.
The Race to the Top report, which compares states and territories on rooftop solar, home batteries, electric vehicle registrations and emissions targets, has found Queensland is now a leader in several areas.
“Queenslanders aren’t just driving this change, they’re fanging it. The Sunshine State has embraced solar panels and electric vehicles so rapidly it’s hard to keep up with their impressive progress,” said Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie.
The Climate Council noted half of Queenslanders now have solar panels on their roof, the greatest penetration of any state. There are also 3.1 electric vehicles registered per 1000 people, the second highest adoption after the ACT.
Climate Councillor and former energy executive Greg Bourne said Queensland was also cleaning up its electricity grid. “The switch is on in Queensland, with new investment, jobs and infrastructure in clean energy projects picking up pace. Communities like Gladstone are showing that even heavy industries can phase out coal for a more modern energy mix.”
He said Queensland has played a major role in doubling the clean energy in Australia’s eastern grid in less than six years.
“By keeping the foot on the accelerator, Queenslanders can lower their power and petrol bills and reduce climate pollution, which is driving the kind of extreme floods and fires that have hit this state so hard in the last five years. ” Councillor Bourne said.
Queensland case studies available for interview include:
- A Cairns man who has almost eliminated his power bills with rooftop solar and a home battery.
- An indigenous solar company powering a health service in Yarrabah.
- A local energy company leading on large wind and solar projects in central Queensland.
For interviews with Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie please contact Jacqui Street 0498 188 528 or jacqui.street@climatecouncil.org.au
For interviews with case studies please contact Sean Kennedy at the Climate Media Centre 0447 121 378 or sean.kennedy@climatemediacentre.org.au
The Climate Council is Australia’s leading community-funded climate change communications organisation. We provide authoritative, expert and evidence-based advice on climate change to journalists, policymakers, and the wider Australian community.
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