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Talent alert - Experts warn QLD's Energy Roadmap locks in polluting coal, drives up power bills and risks jobs

Climate Media Centre

TALENT ALERT: Experts warn Queensland’s Energy Roadmap locks in polluting coal, drives up power bills and risks jobs

10 October 2025

The Crisafulli Government’s new Energy Roadmap released today has extended the life of Queensland’s ageing coal-fired power stations and doubled down on fossil gas, prompting concern from energy experts.

The roadmap has not only weakened the state’s plans to cut climate pollution, but it has created uncertainty for investors and left people on the ground waiting for secure, future-proof jobs in the renewable energy sector. These changes mark a major retreat from Queensland’s previous commitments to cleaner, cheaper and more reliable power.

Experts say the plan could lock in higher power bills, risk the reliability of the energy system, and undermine billions in clean energy investment – just as the rest of Australia and the world accelerate toward renewables and storage.

The following experts are available for comment and analysis - for interviews, contact:

Sean Kennedy – 0447 121 378 – [email protected].

 

Johanna Bowyer, Lead Analyst, IEEFA:
"Queensland needs to replace its ageing, increasingly unreliable coal-fired power stations with new low emissions assets as quickly as possible to maintain a reliable power supply and cut emissions."

"There are costs and risks associated with keeping ageing power stations in the system for longer - they experience more breakdowns as they age, leading to reliability risks and spikes in wholesale electricity prices."

“Refurbishing old coal plants to keep them going for longer carries risk - as seen in the Muja AB refurbishment in WA which cost triple the original budget and shut just three years after the project was finished, wasting around $300 million of taxpayers’ money.”

 

Stephanie Bashir, CEO, NEXA Advisory:
“Queenslanders are being saddled with the most expensive energy option.

"Every report and analysis of the electricity market makes it crystal clear that delaying the transition is the worst possible outcome for consumers.  

"Extending coal, which is already unreliable and expensive, means more outages, higher bills and less investment in cheap renewable alternatives, like wind and solar backed by batteries.

"The Queensland Government has delivered a cul de sac, not a roadmap."

 

Dave Copeman, Director of Queensland Conservation Council: 

"This Energy Roadmap is a missed opportunity to prepare for the inevitable closure of the state's ageing coal-fired power stations. Chaining our future to coal dooms us to further energy chaos, power failures, higher prices and confusion for regional Queenslanders.

"This plan to keep coal open for decades shows the Crisafulli Government is not serious about its pre-election climate action promise to Queenslanders, and is wiping their hands clean of their responsibility to protect the Great Barrier Reef and threatened species."

 

Dr Lissa Schindler, Great Barrier Reef Manager, AMCS:
“Queensland is already facing the devastating impacts of climate pollution – more frequent heatwaves, severe storms and repeated mass bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef. Prolonging coal use will only make these impacts worse.

“The Reef has suffered six mass bleaching events in the last decade. If the government is serious about protecting Queensland’s environment, economy and global reputation, it must accelerate the shift to renewables, not delay it.”

 

Andrew Bray, National Director of RE-Alliance: 

RE-Alliance has been working for more than a decade with regional communities at the centre of Australia's shift to renewables.

"Rural and regional Queenslanders need a cohesive energy plan that supports them to get the longer term benefits that renewables investment offers. This new energy plan for Queensland misses that opportunity and lets down those communities who are crying out for clarity and certainty."

 

Ms Marilyne Crestias, Head of Policy & Advocacy, CEIG:

“The release of Queensland’s 5-Year Energy Roadmap marks an important moment for the State’s energy transition – but it comes with announcements that risk damaging investor confidence at a critical time. CEIG is disappointed the Roadmap lacks a clear plan for coal retirements and leaves the door open to further extensions. Certainty on coal closures is essential – shifting timelines only heightens investor risk and undermines project financeability.”

“Announcements of new government-led gas projects and tenders risk sending mixed signals to investors at a time when clear direction is needed. Prolonged reliance on gas undermines investor confidence in the State’s transition strategy and risks crowding out private capital that is ready to invest in clean energy alternatives.”

“CEIG’s 2025 Clean Energy Outlook found that planning uncertainty, policy instability and government intervention, especially through changing regulations and market involvement, have weighed heavily on investor confidence in Queensland. Despite the State Government claiming it remains open for business, Queensland slipped in the survey rankings from first to second place as an investment destination.”

“Queensland is competing for clean energy investment not just nationally, but globally. Investors are directing capital towards jurisdictions with strong climate and energy targets, balanced regulatory settings, and efficient planning and assessment frameworks.”

"As Australia seeks to secure its role as host of COP31 next month, announcements like these undercut our credibility on climate leadership."

“There are some positive announcements — the $400 million Investor Gateway and stronger direction on transmission and regional energy hubs are welcome steps to attract clean energy investment. CEIG will continue working with the Queensland Government through the Net Zero Roadmap and the forthcoming Energy Sector Emissions Reduction Plan to strengthen Queensland’s competitiveness and build investor confidence in clean energy investment.”

 

Vincent Dwyer, co-founder and CEO of Energy Estate and Director of Central Queensland Power:
Vincent is one of the region's most experienced industry leaders on major energy transition opportunities, working with local and global partners to accelerate impactful projects. For over 25 years he has been at the forefront of developments in the energy and infrastructure sectors in Australia and Asia, from major acquisitions and privatisations to the development of energy markets, the deployment of new technologies and the scaled development of renewable energy. 

 

Dr Amanda Cahill, Founder at The Next Economy:

Amanda has spent over two decades supporting communities to manage economic change in regions across Queensland, Australia and abroad. The Next Economy is an economic development agency working with regions, government, industry, and civil society leaders to build climate-safe, regenerative and socially just economies.

 

 

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Contact details:

For interviews, contact:
Sean Kennedy – 0447 121 378 – [email protected]