While in Cairns for our Regional Parliament last week, I was reminded that Queensland is home to unrivalled natural beauty-including the Wet Tropics and our Great Barrier Reef.
Whether it was taking the cable car through the rainforest or making my first scuba dive to see the reef for myself, the profound value and fragility of our planet’s biodiversity is inspiring.
You’d also be hard pressed to find a better reason to get behind Queensland’s clean energy transformation, than ensuring these natural wonders are going to be there for generations to come.
As the world’s first Minister for Hydrogen, and with that backdrop, I was proud to introduce new laws that will drive the green hydrogen revolution forward and slash emissions, to curb climate change.
The technology will be a game changer in decarbonising heavy haulage, shipping, aviation, and manufacturing, and will also slash emissions, by replacing fossil fuels both here at home and abroad.
Queensland is already leading the charge in the hydrogen sector, with more than 50 hydrogen projects currently underway across, including the publicly owned CQH2 project, that are expected to deliver tens of thousands of jobs and generate emissions free fuel for electricity and heavy haulage.
It’s crucial to get this right and ensure the proper framework is applied to the world’s climate challenges head-on, whilst ensuring investor confidence in Queensland’s hydrogen export potential.
The new laws set up a framework for construction, operation and safe management of hydrogen projects and other renewable gas pipelines – turning our State into a powerhouse of opportunity for jobs and investment.
It is crucial that we lead the charge in decarbonising global energy systems to ensure our natural wonders are protected for generations to come.
So, we have picked our lane.
True zero emissions energy.
Queensland’s green hydrogen industry is the greatest jobs, climate and export opportunity in a generation.
I’m proud that our community has given me the opportunity to represent you and deliver a better future for Queensland, the nation, and the world.
