Govt set to scrap renewable energy scheme
The Queensland government is under pressure to reveal an alternative renewable energy scheme as it prepares to unveil a new cabinet after scrapping a controversial project.
The Liberal National Party has hit the ground running since ending Labor’s nine-year reign, ditching as promised the previous government’s $12 billion Pioneer Burdekin pumped hydro project in central Queensland.
The LNP government has also followed through on halting the Truth Telling and Healing Inquiry on a busy first week to be capped by a new cabinet being revealed.
Governor Jeannette Young will officially swear in MPs to their respective portfolios on Friday.
Premier David Crisafulli wasted little time launching his 100-day plan since claiming Saturday’s election, with the Pioneer Burdekin pumped hydro project quickly in his sights.
Instead, the LNP government will look to build multiple, smaller pumped hydro plants at yet-to-be-decided locations without a forecast price tag.
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Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie confirmed he had spoken with the Department of Energy and the director general to get the ball rolling on cutting the Pioneer Burdekin project.
He also promised to write to the almost 60 affected landowners near Mackay whose homes were resumed or forcibly sold off by the former government for the project.
Bleijie vowed to “work out a way forward” with the landowners.
However environmental advocates have called on the government to release details about its Pioneer Burdekin alternatives within 100 days.
“It’s really important that the new state government is upfront about which pumped hydro projects they’re considering,” Queensland Conservation Council Director Dave Copeman said.
“Queenslanders want to know they’re serious about getting on with the energy transition, but also critically, we need to be able to assess the potential environmental impacts of their plans.”
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The LNP is also under scrutiny over its decision to halt the Truth Telling and Healing Inquiry.
Inquiry chair Joshua Creamer said he had not had any communication from the new government but confirmed the news.
“If the inquiry is formally stopped it will be a lost opportunity for the state,” he said.
Crisafulli has flagged there will be some changes from the shadow ministry that he had promised before the election.
However senior MPs David Janetzki, Ros Bates and Dale Last are expected to be retained after holding the shadow treasurer, health and corrective services roles respectively.
Crisafulli is set to ask his new team to work through the weekend to prepare for its first cabinet meeting on Monday.
He will provide each minister with a charter letter with his expectations for their role and the targets they must meet.
A speaker is also set to be elected with two parliamentary sitting weeks to be held by Christmas.
Introducing tough youth crime laws is set to be a priority at the November 26-28 and December 10-12 sittings.
With election counting nearly complete, the LNP is set to secure a majority of 53 seats to Labor’s 35.
