Net zero report says Queensland will have more jobs, bigger economy, but watchdog wants more clarity

Thursday's report, commissioned by the Climate Council and conducted by independent economic advisory group Deloitte, says if Queensland meets its current commitment of net zero emissions by 2050, the economy will be 7 per cent larger, reaching $780 billion.

It will also grow 2.5pc annually and have a workforce of more than 3.6 million workers.

However, a government watchdog says the state government's plan to reach net zero lacks clarity.

Climate Council councillor and economist Nicki Hutley says if Queensland planned early for the economic transformation, all Queensland regions and workers would enjoy clean economic growth and job opportunities.

"Today, 80 per cent of the tasks needed in Queensland's future clean economy are already being performed," Ms Hutley says.

"For example, an electrician working in a coal mine can relatively easily upskill to work in another industry, such as a hydroelectric plant."

The report says Queensland workers impacted by the transition away from fossil fuels will have, on average, four alternative occupations they can immediately pursue with no additional formal training.

Drillers, miners and shot firers can work as power generation plant operators, while heavy machine operators have skill sets that will be valuable across Queensland's clean economy.

Fears decarbonisation will mean large job losses are unfounded, according to the report, with the majority of Queenslanders' jobs unaffected by the move to a clean economy.

If Queensland and Australia get the pace and scale of decarbonisation wrong, there will be increased costs to workers and the economy - in both lost jobs and growth, as well as worsening climate impacts.

In the past 30 years, Queensland's economy has grown at an average of 3.8pc.

If the world doesn't put in place significant new policies - and global warming exceeds 3°C by 2070 - Queensland's economic growth to 2050 averages just over 2pc.

The slower and declining future growth rate reflects lower investment, innovation, productivity, and lost jobs.

The Queensland Audit Office tabled a report on November 25 which says beyond its commitment to generate 50pc of Queensland's energy from renewable sources by 2030, the state government has not yet set out its ambitions for the energy system in 2030 or its expectations for progress this decade.

"For example, it has not set out its desired combination of generation from wind, solar or hydroelectricity sources; nor has it set out in detail its preferred locations for renewable development," it says.

"As a result, it is difficult to know whether the transition to renewables is on track or whether the department should adjust its objectives or processes."

Southeast Queensland

The report found the south east will see massive growth in clean jobs by 2050, including 1300 jobs in hydrogen, 1350 in bioenergy and 4900 in clean electricity.

North Queensland

North Queensland is expected to experience one of the highest overall average annual growth rates in employment, with the clean electricity sector alone anticipated to grow 8.6pc every year until 2050.

Central Queensland

Central Queensland has significant opportunities for jobs growth in clean electricity (7.8pc per year), hydrogen (6.9pc per year) and base metal mining (4.9pc per year).

Southwest Queensland

South West Queensland's traditional strengths will continue to grow its regional economy, with construction expected to more than double between 2021 and 2050, from contributing $749 million now to $1.5 billion in 2050.

Agriculture will jump from contributing $4.2 million today to the economy to $7.7 million in 2050.

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Kennedy MP Bob Katter made his position clear on Australia's 2050 net zero target back in October, calling the idea "criminally insane".

Nationals Senator Matt Canavan, who is based in Rockhampton, said in September he was "deadset against" net zero emissions.

"Just look at the disaster the UK is living through. They're switching off their industry to keep their lights on, and they are struggling to feed themselves. Net zero emissions would just make us weaker."

Callide MP Colin Boyce issued a statement in October to make it clear he did not support net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

"I cannot support a 'you'll be right' attitude with no details. It would be economically irresponsible to do so."

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