The Queensland Renewable Energy Council (QREC) has welcomed the Crisafulli Government’s decision to pause and review duplicative and complex regulations for renewable energy projects exceeding $100 million. This move, to be overseen by the reinstated Queensland Productivity Commission, is a commonsense step that will streamline the State’s transition to cleaner energy.
QREC’s Chief Executive Officer Katie-Anne Mulder said the Best Practice Industry Conditions (BPIC) introduced in April this year with no consultation with private industry would have increased costs and significantly extended timeframes for renewable energy projects.
“It is crucial that all workplaces are safe and respectful. Existing legislation already provides workplace, health and safety provisions for renewable energy projects. The burden of the 231-page BPIC could never be justified and it was not clear as to why the renewable energy sector was being singled out,” she said.
“On behalf of our members, QREC commends the Government for withdrawing the BPIC and looks forward to collaborating to ensure the safety of worksites on renewable energy projects, while maximising employment and economic benefits across the State’.
Ms Mulder said QREC had raised the withdrawal of the renewable energy project BPIC with the previous Government and the LNP in Opposition.
“QREC is also focussing on working with the Government to streamline and enhance the transparency of planning and assessment processes for renewable energy projects”.
QREC has proposed the new Government progress with consultation on the Draft Renewables Regulatory Framework released prior to the election.
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Link to Queensland Government media statement: Construction productivity boosted with BPIC pause