The Queensland Renewable Energy Council's (QREC) latest Executive Insights survey, released today, reinforces the critical importance of the forthcoming Queensland Energy Roadmap in unlocking investor confidence and driving long-term growth in the renewable energy sector. 

QREC Chief Executive Officer Katie-Anne Mulder said that while confidence is currently challenged by policy instability and planning uncertainty, the sector is ready to re-engage if the Roadmap delivers the clarity and coordination needed. 

"As with our April 2025 survey, we continue to hear serious concerns about unclear policy settings. But there's also a strong willingness to invest—if the Roadmap provides long-term, practical and consultative frameworks for transmission, firming, approvals and community engagement," Ms Mulder said. 

"Almost 80% of respondents said current policy settings don't support investment certainty. That presents a clear opportunity to reset the trajectory with the right foundations." 

The five most pressing risks remain unchanged since 2024: policy stability, community acceptance, assessment processes, transmission availability and investor confidence—with investor confidence increasing in priority this quarter. 

Ms Mulder said QREC welcomes the Government's commitment to deliver the Roadmap and urges it to go beyond ambition and adopt a longer-term view. 

"To restore confidence, the Roadmap must include clear, joined-up steps—aligning infrastructure and planning, clarifying the role of government-owned corporations, and working openly with communities to deliver lasting benefits." 

A strong majority (83%) of respondents said energy literacy and local engagement must be a priority. There is the need for stronger, on-the-ground engagement from all parties to ensure regional communities fully understand the benefits of renewables. 

Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki has tasked the Queensland Productivity Commission with reviewing the State's energy and emissions policy settings, with a report due by 1 September 2025. QREC will actively contribute to this process. 

The survey's findings echo a recent Clean Energy Investor Group (CEIG) report showing Queensland slipping behind NSW in investor sentiment, largely due to uncertainty around transmission and approvals. 

Meanwhile, recent support for the Esmeralda Graphite Project—praised for 'whole-of-government coordination'—shows what's possible when streamlined delivery is prioritised. 

Ms Mulder concluded: "As Treasurer Janetzki rightly said, 'Capital goes to where it's welcomed, and stays where it's needed.' His recent visit to CopperString and recognition of its role in enabling new renewable generation reflects exactly the kind of coordinated, forward-looking approach investors are seeking. The task now is to ensure Queensland offers both a welcome and a long-term home for clean energy investment." 

As Queensland's only renewable peak industry body, Queensland Renewable Energy Council (QREC) represents stakeholders across solar, wind, pumped hydro, electricity transmission, battery storage, and renewable fuels. QREC collaborates with industry, communities, and all levels of government to drive the growth of Queensland's renewable energy sector. 

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