Department of Environment and Heritage Protection · In October 2016, the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection partnered ... creating better outcomes for energy and fuel

Department of Environment and Heritage Protection

UNDERSTAND | ADAPT | TRANSITION

UNDERSTAND ADAPT | TRANSITIONUNDERSTAND ADAPT | TRANSITIONUNDERSTAND ADAPT | TRANSITION

CONSULTATION SUMMARY

Advancing Climate Action in QueenslandMaking the transition to a low carbon future

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INTRODUCTION

On 11 May 2016, the Queensland Government released the Advancing Climate Action in Queensland: Making the transition to a low carbon future discussion paper for public consultation. It provided best practice examples of work being undertaken by governments, businesses and individuals in Australia and elsewhere to show what is possible.

The consultation sought feedback and ideas to help shape a climate transition strategy for Queensland. The discussion paper asked 23 policy and direction-setting questions for the community to consider. The consultation closed on 2 September 2016.

Advancing Climate Action in Queensland • CONSULTATION SUMMARY | 3

CONSULTATION FEEDBACK

OnlineThe discussion paper consultation and online survey was promoted on the Queensland Government’s Get Involved website. Individual written submissions were also received via a dedicated email address. In an overwhelming response, almost 6000 submissions were received. The number and type of responses received were:

• Online survey responses—162

• Individual responses comprising industry, interest groups and individuals—187

• Responses using form letters

0 Australian Marine Conservation Society—5566 (189 of these provided additional information beyond the standard form letter)

0 Environmental Defenders Office—52 (32 provided additional detail)

0 Do Gooder online petition tool—13.

Industry SummitIn October 2016, the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection partnered with the Carbon Market Institute to convene an Industry Summit. Eighty industry and innovation leaders explored how the private sector and Queensland Government could work together to transition to a low and ultimately zero carbon economy.

The Summit examined multiple pathways for: creating economic and employment opportunities; creating better outcomes for energy and fuel security, energy efficiency, smart solutions for finance and technology; and creating a way to generate investment in the land sector and local offset markets.

There was strong interest in establishing an enduring platform for business to engage with government on zero emissions investment opportunities, climate policy, project development and collaboration, encouraging new technologies and promoting innovation.

Regional workshopsIn November and December 2016, a series of workshops were held across Queensland (Brisbane, Cairns, Robina, Yeppoon, Proserpine, Longreach, and Charleville), attended by 248 people. The workshops provided participants with the opportunity to share their views on the transition to the low carbon economy and what this meant for their communities.

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FEEDBACK THEMES

The analysis of the consultation findings identified 10 priority themes which are summarised in the following sections:

Government leadership and policy stability

Energy reform

Cleaner transport and travel

Economic transition and industry reform

Sustainable building design and town planning

Agriculture and vegetation management

Environmental protection and waste management

Community resilience and social equity

Education, engagement and consumer confidence

Adaptation to climate impacts

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Government leadership and policy stability

The strongest priority area was for the Queensland Government to provide exemplary and ambitious leadership on climate change. In general, the feedback called for the government to take decisive action showing commitment through clear emission reduction targets and policies.

Time-based emission reduction targets consistent with the Paris Agreement, such as zero net emissions by 2050, were seen as critical to empower and enable a shift away from business-as-usual trends.

There was significant support for a whole-of-government approach to help ensure that ‘Queensland’s involvement is genuine and enduring across electoral cycles’. This included support for legislative reform such as introducing a Climate Change Act.

A strong message to emerge was that Queensland should not be waiting for others to act—we should be seizing the opportunity to lead the way and be proactive in the absence of national leadership.

There was support for linking climate and energy policy and for the Queensland Government to demonstrate action and lead by example by embedding emissions reduction into all government operations (e.g. procurement, building efficiency, fleet management), investments, programs, regulatory frameworks, and when working with local government.

Policy interventions and market based mechanisms that put a price on carbon were supported as a way to reflect the costs of pollution. Tax mechanisms, emissions trading and offset schemes were all part of the suite of suggestions.

Values-based decision making was also proposed, with feedback highlighting the value and importance of using core principles to inform decision making and investment. ‘Equity’, ‘accessibility’, ‘sustainability’, ‘polluter pays’ and the ‘precautionary principle’ were the values and principles emphasised most by respondents.

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Requirement to ensure the companies profiting from the

extraction of fossil fuels pay for the repair cost without recourse

to the tax payer.

The Government should legislate a Queensland Climate Change Act, locking in the more ambitious targets, with an agreed upon charter providing principles and objectives that must be considered in plans, policies, programs and operational decision making across departments.


Energy reform

A prominent suggestion was the ‘rapid’ planned and staged transition away from fossil fuels. While the current reliance on fossil fuels and the importance of reliability of supply was acknowledged, the stronger message was that the inevitable move away from fossil fuels needs to be managed strategically if it is to be successful, and that a sustainable renewable energy industry must be developed to replace the economic benefits currently provided by fossil fuels.

As part of the transition, a clear priority for respondents was to make Queensland a leader in renewable energy. Suggestions included: setting ambitious targets for renewable energy; supporting micro-grids and community solar initiatives; providing investment and incentives such as fair solar rebates and tariffs; improving energy storage; and mandating installation. However, respondents expressed concern that renewable energy should be affordable and available to all.

Improving energy efficiency and demand management was also a prominent theme. Improved minimum energy performance standards for buildings, transport and appliances, energy

efficiency schemes, and business and government ‘disclosure’ to drive efficiency were common suggestions. Finance and subsidies, smart meter deployment, and industry training on best practice were also mentioned. Clean energy technologies and biofuels were also supported.

Reform of the National Energy Market (NEM) was supported as a way to improve competition in the retail and generation sector. There were calls for: increased efficiencies and reliability; maximising opportunities for renewable energy and energy security; minimising costs to consumers; and reducing emissions. Respondents recommended a mix of generation technologies and that all levels of government proactively develop plans to restructure electricity generation in Australia, including replacing aging plant, in the interests of achieving economic development.

Concerns were raised around the impacts of coal exports and the need to acknowledge exports in emissions accounting, and to ensure appropriate rehabilitation and restoration of coal mines.

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Great opportunities - build more solar plants, encourage home

users to change over to solar hot water and electricity.

The State Government’s goal of 50% of electricity

generation from renewable energy by

2030 is to be applauded.Thousands of jobs bringing in the new technologies. Building solar farms. Turning the outback solar.

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Cleaner transport and travel

There was substantial interest in seeing transformational change in the transport sector, with emissions reduction being a key objective. There was overwhelming support for revitalising our public transport to make it low emission and more efficient, well connected, reliable and affordable. Reducing the use of higher emission fossil fuels and increasing the use of lower carbon fuels such as renewably produced electricity, hydrogen, biofuels and natural gas.

The need for improved and integrated transport and planning policy was also highlighted, with an emphasis on design and policies to promote localism (work and recreation), and supporting initiatives which encourage active travel and public transport use to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road (especially single occupant). Suggested improvements included dedicated bus ways, cycle paths, a network of fast charging stations, car-free city centres, rapid and connected rail system, and less congestion. Changes in the design of urban areas, mandatory fuel efficiency and performance based vehicle standards, active

promotion of alternative fuelled vehicles, preferential registration fees for low emissions, and more efficient combinations of transport options were also suggested.

There was an emphasis on optimising freight, transport and energy strategies and leveraging economies of scale. For example, in long haul freight there were calls to shift from road to rail.

There was considerable support for electric vehicles, improved battery technologies and charging infrastructure, but this was subject to a decarbonised electricity supply. Respondents suggested the government fleet and public transport should transition to electric vehicles and the installation of electric charging stations should be incentivised.

There was also a call for consumer engagement and consumer incentives to support a low-emission transport shift, and increasing consumer awareness of options (e.g. development of Apps, identifying the ‘real costs’ of travel options, car and bike share schemes and telecommuting).

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Better structure to public transport systems, removal of

fossil fuels from public transport vehicles and replacing them

with electric (with the addition of solar powering stations).

The transformation of our transport, buildings, manufacturing, energy, food and agricultural systems all create exciting opportunities for Queensland, but we need to plan to achieve the full benefits of them.


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There was significant support for a transition to a low-carbon economy, with widespread recognition that there will be costs and benefits during transition. To optimise industry and economic outcomes, it was acknowledged that the transition must be planned and staged, to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies and a smooth, ‘just’ transition for the workforce. In particular, respondents emphasised the need to maximise employment opportunities and to support industries in retraining and transitioning workers.

Many suggestions related to assisting industry to innovate and reduce emissions such as: demonstrating the benefits and marketing opportunities; providing industry incentives and interventions to shape decision making; assisting with financial and material investment required for transition; and recognising and rewarding good practice. The feedback frequently reflected the view that clean energy industries, technologies and innovations provide rich opportunities for industry reform and economic prosperity.

Many respondents highlighted the important role for government in cultivating long-term policy certainty that will encourage investment, foster alternative industries and drive industry sector innovation particularly in clean energy. Tourism was a frequently cited business sector, recognising its importance to the Queensland economy. In particular, respondents called on the government to protect the Great Barrier Reef from the impacts of climate change and to preserve its economic and ecological importance to Queensland.

4 Economic transition and industry reform

The global economy of the future will be based around renewable energy and low carbon initiatives. Put simply, we should aim to be at the forefront of this transition, in order to position Queensland for the benefits of innovation. We are ideally placed to do this.

The opportunity for long term job creation in regional areas is incredible, jobs that will not end like those of the mining boom. We have the opportunity to bring employment and wealth back to suffering regional communities for the future and long term. Queensland will be home to low carbon industries, clean and healthy air, and cheap, abundant electricity.


All buildings should be required to be rated in terms

of their energy usage and other sustainability features.

Ensure there is enough green space. Less car

congestion, pollution and noise. Encourage cycling via

segregated bikeways.

All new buildings should be fitted with solar panels and batteries, or connections to neighbourhood solar generation and storage.

Sustainable building design and town planning

Planning and development was identified as a priority area with comments reflecting the need for longer term sustainable and integrated approaches to planning and infrastructure. A considerable number of suggestions supported mandating minimum building standards for sustainable, energy efficient design and retrofits, including renewable energy, to reduce emissions and optimise occupant comfort levels as the climate changes.

Upgrading and improving government buildings and new developments to reduce emissions was also a common suggestion, alongside the need for research and feasibility studies and to demonstrate the cost/benefit of technologies and ‘whole of life costing’.

Other planning considerations were to ensure adequate coastal and marine protection through strong coastal planning laws, to protect against inappropriate development and protect against inappropriate development and ensuring adaptation to the change is happening now and into the future.

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Many comments focussed on reducing Queensland land emissions, particularly, to ‘stop broad scale vegetation clearing’ given its significant contribution to Queensland’s emissions. Reinstating land clearing legislation was a common suggestion. Vegetation protection, management and revegetation programs were supported, in particular protecting land with high environmental value and the need to expand revegetation and remediation of farming and mining sites.

Many respondents also highlighted the virtues of a widespread shift to regenerative and sustainable farming techniques as a way to significantly reduce emissions. The importance of supporting farmers to change farming practices (e.g. through demonstration and learning farms) was emphasised, as was the importance of sustainable animal agriculture.

Local food production and distribution was seen as vital for reducing food miles and associated emissions. Regional product branding was suggested as one way to support consumers and businesses to ‘buy local’. Other feedback highlighted the need to manage the impacts of intensive agriculture, particularly on the Great Barrier Reef, and that biofuel production must not displace land for food production.

Suggestions for agricultural diversification to reduce emissions included seaweed farms, native meat industries, carbon farming and offset programs. Other comments related to agriculture suggested more public education to promote plant-based and in-season diets.

6 Agriculture and vegetation management

Develop a farming/grazing strategy that recognises and tackles climate

change, including an effective native vegetation management plan.

Better farm planning for resilience, carbon and productivity is needed - an

agriculture transition strategy could see farmers move towards more high value crops (suitable for a changing climate).

Farmers, like it or not, are the best conservationists trying to get the most out of their land, while keeping it productive.

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Protection of the natural environment featured prominently. Many respondents appealed to the Queensland Government, as custodians of the Great Barrier Reef, to take a leading role in addressing climate change and reduce runoff from land-based activities like farming and land clearing.

Other areas of improvement from the feedback were the need for stronger environmental protections, better air and water quality monitoring particularly around point sources such as coal mines or coal seam gas operations. Many respondents stated that economic gains should not be at the expense of environmental or human health.

Waste management also featured prominently in the submissions. Many emphasised the need to impose penalties for failure to reuse, recycle or dispose of waste safely, and the need to reduce emissions from landfill and inappropriate industry waste management.

Suggestions included: reducing waste produced; implementing a container deposit scheme; separating food and green waste; supporting research and innovation for waste treatment and energy from waste technologies; financial incentives for alternative waste treatment; reducing plastic bags; implementing a state-wide behaviour change campaign; recycling communication program; and introducing a landfill levy.

Environmental protection and waste management7

Recycling of materials should be a key priority. Not enough people recycle at work or at home. Things that cannot currently be

recycled should also be looked at. Waste overall is a massive issue and landfills are

a big source of greenhouse gas emissions, especially due to the decomposing of

food and organic materials.

The Queensland Government, as caretakers of our coastline, needs to step up and do what’s right to ensure the long term health and viability of one of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders.


A strong message from the submissions was the need to strengthen community resilience and ensure long-term policy planning and design which is critical for workers, communities and regions reliant on industries that may decline as a result of global climate and market trends. Suggestions included planned transition to alternate industries for example, through large scale regional renewable energy projects.

Specific recommendations included social equity to be explicitly addressed in policy design, with new opportunities for decent work, assessment of impacts on current and future generations and for costs and opportunities to be spread fairly across the Australian community.

Respondents stressed the need for transition to be framed by social justice and social inclusion, to protect communities for the short and long term, in particular those who are vulnerable and marginalised. The feedback emphasised the importance of ensuring low income households are supported in the transition to a low carbon economy and are protected from the expansion of renewable energy and energy efficiency, carbon pricing and rising water prices.

8 Community resilience and social equity

I would like to see the aim clearly stated as not reaching 1.5 degree according to the Paris Agreement

rather than not reaching 2 degrees. Even 1.5 is too high for many

ecosystems such as coral reefs.

Climate change is the critical issue of our time and all levels of Government have a responsibility to act decisively. A failure to restrict average global temperature increases to “well below” the 2°C range, as outlined in the 2015 Conferences of the Parties (COP21) Paris climate agreement, will result in catastrophic environmental, social and economic impacts.

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Education, engagement and consumer confidence

The importance of education and consumer awareness to help drive behaviour change was a consistent message. Respondents emphasised the need for people to be kept informed about the actions they can take, the positive options available to them and the broad consequences of their behavioural and purchasing choices. Challenging misinformation and enhancing public education through government campaigns was also a key response.

Research was also identified as central to the success of transition, with many respondents’ signposting industry reports, case studies, best practice examples and scientific papers. Respondents also stressed the need to consult and engage with communities, including Indigenous communities, and to use good practice examples to affect change in the community and with business.

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We need a change in ideas of people before we can expect everyone to just

adopt sustainable practices. Knowledge is power.

You need to be using design to engage communities in meaningful, innovative ways, not gimmicky technology but actually sitting down with people, running workshops, identifying what challenges face particular communities and then designing alternative futures that the community can believe in and work towards.

changing all of these things is not hard once you decide – we just need to get the idea into the minds of the population in the same way as ‘slip, slop, slap.


Adaptation to climate impacts10

Adapting to climate change was a popular theme, with emphasis given to minimising social impacts, protecting marginalised communities, and preventing species extinction and habitat destruction. Of particular concern to respondents were the observed climate impacts on species and ecosystems and the resulting negative economic and social impacts, particularly for the agriculture and tourism industries.

Concerns about broader social impacts were raised, with specific references to public health and safety, well-being, increasing fire and flood risks, emergency preparedness, and water and food security.

The health impacts of extreme weather events were identified as a key area of concern given the significant consequences for potentially large numbers of the population. Specific concerns included: risk of increased hospitalisation and death due to heat and vector-borne disease; compromised health; and impaired mental health associated with disaster recovery.

Addressing climate change was seen as vital to maintaining and building a positive Australian identity; providing a positive legacy for future generations and protecting the iconic Great Barrier Reef for all to enjoy in the future.

Changes need to come as soon as possible. If we don’t we’ll

lose the Great Barrier Reef.

Understand that an economy based on growth not sustainability is going to destroy the planet eventually if nothing changes.

Targeted support to communities affected by the changing climate, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people of low income, the elderly and people in drought affected areas.

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In Cairns … Participants stressed the need to transition to renewable energy and for support to make it easier and more affordable for communities to develop community owned renewable energy solutions. There was a desire for public-private partnerships for renewable energy generation and to pursue energy efficiencies, and for local government partnerships to build leadership capacity at local levels. There was a call for more innovative land use planning, improved building codes and urban design policies to prevent inefficient developments being built. A sustainable and green transport network was also mentioned, where electric vehicles and bicycles are commonplace. Concern was raised about land clearing, and that revegetation and carbon sequestration initiatives are needed alongside a strong message to protect the Great Barrier Reef and rainforests.

In Brisbane … There was support for clean energy and sustainable business start-up incentives, for example fair solar tariffs and rebates to develop community solar and battery storage systems. Land management and waterway protection were important issues alongside agricultural efficiencies and stronger land clearing legislation. There was a call for sustainable, carbon neutral infrastructure and housing, with better building codes and efficiency standards. Cheap and easily accessible, clean public transport was identified to reduce reliance on cars, and participants wanted electric vehicles to be incentivised.

In Robina … There was support for renewable energy and clean energy innovations and a call for more solar and wind farms. There is concern about land clearing and participants stressed the importance of implementing vegetation management strategies. Workshop participants expressed the need to promote education and behaviour change as part of a social strategy within a transition plan. The participants also called for more green space, community gardens and green walls.

In Proserpine … There were concerns around projected longer droughts and more intense rainfall events, and participants called for land management plans that account for these risks while supporting land owners. The renewable energy industry is creating new jobs and the community felt they would benefit from assistance with transitioning workers to zero emission jobs. Stricter project controls incorporating low carbon emission standards was requested. Participants suggested that land clearing and developments on sensitive areas needs to be restricted, and that farmers could get carbon credits for keeping native vegetation. The community welcomed new solar farms in the Whitsunday region.

In Yeppoon … The clear message was that Government should create a “game plan” for transition initiatives and to take action now, with innovation a key part. Smaller communities need more bike paths and walkways to encourage active travel and there was support for electric vehicles. There was a call for energy efficiency and community education programs, and participants felt their community would benefit from renewable energy at the community level, but need support for local energy networks and to accelerate the transition. Participants asked for assistance to help workers transition to zero emission jobs. Protecting vegetation and promoting carbon sequestration through local environmental groups was seen as a priority, along with habitat and coastal protection. There were concerns around plastic bags and plastic bottles and participants felt their community would benefit from a plastic bag ban and recycling schemes.

Regional workshopsFeedback summaries


In Longreach … Workshop participants wanted to see support for clean energy and for the region to be promoted as a centre for clean energy and innovation. Battery technologies, solar power and biofuels were areas identified for innovation. There was a call for better water management including requirements and incentives for wise water use. There was an interest in improved agricultural efficiency and wastewater management, and adaptation by improving technology and processes.

In Charleville … There was an interest in carbon farming opportunities and a need to understand the challenges for farmers in delivery. There was a call for community education regarding climate change awareness and household energy efficiency options. Workshop attendees voiced support for more solar power opportunities in Charleville as well as funding to assist with flood management.

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Prepared by: Department of Environment and Heritage Protection

© State of Queensland, 2017.

April 2017 #31327

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Department of Environment and Heritage Protection · In October 2016, the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection partnered ... creating better outcomes for energy and fuel