We need to make sure renewables are done right:
Nearly 40% of Australia's energy is now renewable. There is huge opportunity to make us a global clean energy leader due to our unique sun and wind resources. However, the shift to renewables is challenging; large-scale change is hard and communities need to feel included in decision-making. We also need to ensure that we are building local generation, storage capacity in our towns and using energy more efficiently. Overall, it's crucial to give communities a voice to ensure renewable projects align with regional needs and bring tangible benefits.
As the Darling Downs embraces renewable energy, we must ensure that development, no matter what type of energy infrastructure or mining type, is done responsibly. Our region is home to some of the most fertile farmland in Australia, as well as unique ecosystems that are vital to our environment. The Darling Downs Environment Council is committed to supporting renewable energy projects when they respect our communities, protects prime farming land and our natural heritage.
Our Vision: Renewable energy projects that coexist harmoniously with agriculture and biodiversity, ensuring a sustainable future for both our communities and our environment.
To achieve this vision Governments must enforce strict environmental standards and hold developers accountable for working with local communities. Renewable energy must be good for nature too—stronger laws are needed to prevent poor development practices.
Find out more about our statement of community expectations for renewable energy projects here.
To the Queensland State Government, the Premier and Ministers for the Environment, Energy and Climate portfolios. We call on you to do the following to better regulate and plan all energy and mining projects:
- Protect prime farmland by ensuring all energy and mining projects do not compromise our region’s food security by setting up a traffic light planning system that protects high-quality agricultural land.
- Accelerate Queensland Government work to map areas of high conservation value to determine areas where energy and mining projects should not go unless proposed and co-owned by the community.
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