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Photo: Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says she would like to see an boost to the state’s renewable power target. (ABC News)Queensland will appear to lift its renewable energy target in the wake of the Paris agreement to tackle climate change.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk stated her government was focussed on wind and solar farms, even though sustaining a commitment to coal.
“We will often be reliant on coal. Coal is a backbone of our economy, but we are diversifying,” she said in an exclusive interview with the ABC.
“We’ve got a truly firm focus on renewables, so expect some more announcements subsequent year in relation to that field.
“At the moment, our renewable energy mix is most likely about, with gas, about 28 per cent.
“I’d like to see that improve.”
In the same interview, the Premier was asked to reflect on her initial year in workplace.
The State Opposition has accused the Government of bogging down the state with reviews and indecision.
But Ms Palaszczuk defended her approach.
“We are getting responsible and measured and the feedback I’m acquiring from individuals is they like the style of government,” she said.
“I went to the election promising we would concentrate on jobs. In the first ten months, 50,000 jobs have been created in Queensland. I’m actually proud of that record.
“This has only been ten months out of a 3-year term and almost everything cannot just take place straight away.
“Yes, there are lots of reviews underway, but that is the standard approach of government.”
Jobs a crucial focus for 2016: Palaszczuk
This week, Treasurer Curtis Pitt will provide the mid-year economic assessment — an update of the state’s finances given that the July budget.
It will outline the expense of the Premier’s decision to expand her Cabinet from 14 to 17 members.
Ms Palaszczuk mentioned the evaluation would also confirm the Government is on target to obtain its predicted surpluses.
“Yes, we are predicting a surplus over the subsequent four years, but I never want to steal [the Treasurer’s] thunder, so I’ll let him make those announcements.”
The Premier identified jobs as her important focus in 2016.
“We have to recognise that our state’s altering fairly significantly,” she stated.
“We will be a altering economy in the years to come and I want to make certain that our young kids are prepared.”
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