Queensland’s Parliament has passed the Energy Roadmap Amendment Act 2025—new energy legislation introduced by the Crisafulli Government.
According to the government, the new laws will facilitate energy infrastructure and investment, streamline and simplify processes and governance, and enhance efficiency and operational flexibility of the state’s legislative frameworks.
It delivers on an election commitment by the Crisafulli Government to repeal renewable energy targets and enable a “market driven approach” to planning for Queensland’s future energy system needs.
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Leading energy, investor, conservation, and community experts have warned the new energy bill risks leaving households exposed to higher electricity costs and pushing clean energy investment interstate.
Instead of a clear transition pathway, the roadmap removes legislated renewable energy targets, delays the replacement of ageing coal-fired power stations, and gives the Minister broad discretion over the state’s future generating mix—decisions experts say will undermine investor confidence and make the energy system more expensive and less reliable.
NEXA Advisory CEO Stephanie Bashir said, “Queenslanders are now being locked into the most expensive energy option. Every major market report shows that delaying the shift to firmed renewables is the worst possible outcome for consumers.
“Queensland’s transition and its industrial economy are at risk from this Bill. It means that Queenslanders are likely being saddled with the most expensive energy future.
“These measures will undermine investor certainty. That means longer and greater reliance on Queensland’s ageing coal generation—their unreliability doesn’t just switch the air conditioners off when it’s hot, it shuts down the industrial engines of the state.”
IEEFA lead analyst Australian electricity Johanna Bowyer said, “Repealing the current renewable energy targets will reduce investor confidence in new renewable generation that is needed to replace ageing coal-fired power plants.
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“Queensland needs clarity on when coal is closing. Without a firm coal retirement schedule, investors in replacement capacity are left guessing, which jeopardises Queensland’s ability to replace ageing assets in a timely manner.
“Extending the life of coal-fired power plants comes with costs and risks. As coal power plants age, they have more breakdowns which can lead to wholesale price spikes.
“Refurbishing coal-fired power plants to extend their life can be both costly and risky. For example, the taxpayer-funded Muja AB refurbishment in Western Australia cost over $300 million and suffered technical issues, delays and cost overruns.”
