But the half-billion dollars would not,in and of itself,add to the state’s power supply. Instead,it would be spent on planning,First Nations and community engagement,community and stakeholder planning,and obtaining transmission connection approvals.
The proposed legislation,meanwhile,would also support full public ownership of Queensland’s power line transmission and distribution network. A majority public share of power generation would also be legislated.
The announcements came at a time of anxiety for consumers,faced withelectricity bill increases of up to 25 per cent from next month.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the “Queensland SuperGrid” would be Australia’s largest and become the backbone to a system that transport renewable energy across the state.
“Queensland also has some of the best wind and solar resources in the world which is why we are seeing so many renewable energy projects planned or underway,” she said.
“The legislation will also provide security for our energy workforce as the energy transition occurs,makes sure no worker is left behind,and legislates our commitment to public ownership.”
Palaszczuk’s deputy,Steven Miles,described the plan as the “most ambitious of any government in Australia”.