WWF APPEALS TO LNP TO HONOUR THE DEAL MADE WITH QUEENSLANDERS ON THE CLIMATE TARGET

The World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia is deeply concerned by Opposition Leader David Crisafulli’s statement that coal fired power could be used indefinitely.

In April, there was bipartisan support in the Queensland Parliament for an emissions reduction target of 75% by 2035.

WWF described this as a “watershed moment”, and “globally significant” for an historically fossil fuel state, and congratulated Opposition leader David Crisafulli.

“By voting for the climate target the LNP made a deal with Queenslanders. We’re calling for the LNP to honour that deal,” said Dermot O’Gorman, WWF-Australia CEO .

“It is simply impossible for Queensland to achieve the 75% by 2035 target if coal fired power is prolonged past the current planned closure dates.

“In a cost of living crisis we can’t use public money to prop up coal plants that become increasing unreliable as they age and are particularly vulnerable during summer heat.

"Renewables and storage are the cheapest and most reliable way to deliver electricity to our homes and businesses.

“The climate target is sound economic management.

“Delaying emissions reductions by keeping coal fired power stations open longer than is necessary seriously risks Queensland’s safety and wellbeing from increased floods and natural disasters.

“It increases the cost of living by pushing up energy prices and insurance premiums and puts the Great Barrier Reef at even greater risk from climate change,” Mr O’Gorman said.