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90,000 jobs predicted for clean energy sector say researchers

Toolangi State Forest trees environment

Researchers claim tougher clean energy rules will create more than 90,000 new jobs within 14 years.

A new research brief modelled by the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research shows credible government policies on climate change and energy would generate an additional 90,700 jobs across the state by the year 2030 and up to 214,400 positions as early as 2040.

The brief prepared by the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) suggests a clean energy industry would create “many tens of thousands more than even the most bullish backers” of Adani Australia’s proposed $21.7 billion Carmichael Coal Project. Many of the new jobs would be in key infrastructure like energy, water, construction and health.

“The real jobs boom in Queensland is in clean energy and protecting the 70,000 jobs that depend on a healthy Great Barrier Reef,” ACF campaigner Gavan McFadzean says.

“By setting a target of 50 per cent renewable energy generation by 2030, the State Government has taken an important step towards the renewal of towns in regional Queensland.

“If the Carmichael project ever goes ahead it will be the biggest coal mine in the southern hemisphere … political leaders who care about jobs and a healthy future for their constituents will stop cutting corners for companies trying to flog last century’s dirty energy and start acting to secure the jobs of the future in clean, safe renewable energy.”

An analysis by ACF in August 2016 found there were 2695 direct jobs in Queensland’s 10 renewable energy proposals shortlisted by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. Six of these projects were funded in September, which are expected to create a combined 1900 jobs.

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