As State Parliament prepares to debate legislation to implement the Queensland Government’s Energy Roadmap this week, new industry survey results show persistent uncertainty about the State’s long-term commitment to renewable energy investment.
The Queensland Renewable Energy Council’s (QREC) fourth Executive Insights Survey found that a majority of respondents (53%) disagreed that the Energy Roadmap provides investment certainty for the renewable energy industry. Only 12% agreed, while 35% remained neutral.
QREC Chief Executive Officer Katie-Anne Mulder said that while respondents acknowledged the Energy Roadmap offers improved short-term policy clarity, it also gives rise to mixed signals that are prompting industry hesitation.
“Industry wants to invest in Queensland, but the message from this Survey is clear: policy stability and regulatory clarity remain the strongest determinants of investment — and, right now, the greatest sources of uncertainty,” Ms Mulder said.
Respondents consistently highlighted the Energy Roadmap’s ongoing reliance on coal and gas and the repeal of legislated renewable energy targets as key factors undermining confidence.
Ms Mulder said survey participants strongly recognised Queensland Investment Corporation’s (QIC) investment expertise but called for greater clarity on how the new Investor Gateway will function and interact with existing market processes.
“Transmission-focused initiatives in the Roadmap were viewed most positively — particularly the Priority Transmission Investment framework, Powerlink’s Gladstone upgrades, and QIC’s CopperString delivery mandate — reflecting strong industry support for enabling infrastructure,” Ms Mulder said.
Respondents also cautioned that uncertainty around approvals, regulatory interpretation, and the State’s longer-term market direction is slowing project development, with some reporting longer and less predictable assessment processes.
Despite these concerns, Ms Mulder said the Survey reaffirmed that community support remains the sector’s greatest opportunity, with sustained progress in benefit-sharing, First Nations partnerships, and regional economic development.