With renewables have been a critical issue in the Federal Election, with the peak body for Queensland councils urging the major parties to guarantee a pivotal role for local government in the development of our nation’s energy industry.
The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) said many councils and their communities feared being overlooked and left behind in the race to Net Zero.
LGAQ President and Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Matt Burnett said councils across Queensland would be able to provide crucial local knowledge to ensure a significantly smoother road for renewable energy.
“Local councils are the closest level of government to the community,” Mayor Burnett said.
“They are best equipped to understand how to minimise the impact any new decarbonisation strategies and energy projects might have on their local economies.
“As such councils have a genuine role to play in helping inform how Australia transitions from fossil fuels, in order to help preserve community liveability.”
As part of its Federal Election drive for fairer funding for local government, the LGAQ called on all candidates to support communities impacted by the energy transition through locally-led solutions, direct funding and a local government voice on the Net Zero Economy Authority board.
Mayor Burnett said the future of many regional Queensland communities depended on the transition to renewables being managed effectively, particularly in local economies dependent on coal mining or with coal-reliant industries.
“The renewable energy transformation must benefit our local communities, not destroy them,” Mayor Burnett said.
“Decarbonisation has to be properly coordinated at a local level with place-based solutions that not only minimise any adverse impacts but also improve the social and economic sustainability of an affected community.
“Otherwise, local communities hurt by the closure of a coal mine or by an ill-considered climate change initiative will find themselves fighting for their very existence.”
Mayor Burnett said councils should be given a central role in the clean energy transformation at the local level.
“No other level of government knows what’s best for their community and is as proactive as a local council,” he said.
“That’s why we called on all candidates in the Federal Election campaign to guarantee that local government is fully consulted and financially supported in this crucial role.
“Many councils have already had to redirect sparse resources and then carry the extra cost of managing the impact to their communities caused by renewable projects.
“Clearly they need extra funding for specialised resources to fulfill this role and to avoid what would otherwise be just more cost-shifting on to local government.”
LGAQ CEO Alison Smith said the LGAQ had strongly advocated for a renewable transformation authority and welcomed the creation of the Net Zero Authority two years ago.
She said the authority was recognition of the need for a legislated, overarching body to co-ordinate the transition to a low carbon economy.
“To ensure the future of our local communities, local government must be given a strong voice on Net Zero Authority board,” Ms Smith said.
“Councils and their communities must be directly involved if there is going to be an orderly and positive pathway to net zero, so that the liveability of our local communities is protected.”
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said “in this election, Queensland councils asked to be front and centre when it comes to the energy transition.
“We were calling for locally led solutions,and asking for a voice and a seat on the Net Zero Authority Board.”
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said as we move towards a net zero future, it’s vital that our communities aren’t just impacted by change – but included in shaping it.
“Regional areas have specific needs and opportunities and it’s essential we strike the right balance between economic growth and protection of our unique environment,” he said.
“Targeted investment and practical, community-driven approaches – along with a local government voice on the Net Zero Economy Authority board – are critical to delivering outcomes that truly work on the ground.”
Flinders Shire Council Mayor Kate Peddle said councils and communities deserved guaranteed early involvement in major projects that would impact their regions.
“Queensland councils are the level of government that face the day-to-day impacts of major projects in their communities but are too often the last ones to formally find out about what is about to arrive in their towns and regions,” Mayor Kate Peddle said.
“Councils need a seat at the table so they can help their communities prepare for major projects and make sure they aren’t left with the burden instead of the benefits major projects should be providing in their home communities.”
Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson said regions like the greater Whitsundays were powering the economy.
“The region is home to an advanced METS – mining equipment, technology and services – sector that focuses on innovation, precision, and highly technical skills, with a global outlook and numerous export opportunities,” Mayor Williamson said.
“The Greater Whitsunday Region is powering Australia, responsible for over $75 Billion of economic output.
“We want to be in the driver’s seat of how the energy transition impacts our people and that we have means to empower and grow balanced economic growth and opportunities.”
Queensland councils welcomed the Federal Election campaign as an opportunity for all candidates to commit to ending a broken 50-year-old funding model holding councils and their local communities back and redoubled their calls for fairer funding, policy changes and critical emergency weather infrastructure and housing funding to support local communities .
