Amidst a clean energy jobs bonanza, policy uncertainty slows investment

The lack of coherent Federal clean energy policy is beginning to impact investment, with investors citing significant uncertainty about the Morrison government’s policy direction as a “dead weight”.

But up in Queensland, a slew of regional renewable jobs are starting to flow from a huge pumped hydro project, which is expected to create up to 900 construction jobs over the next few years.

And in news that will surprise no one, bushland that was earmarked as an environmental offset for the new Sydney airport has been turned into a carpark.

120 jobs start to flow from $777m Kidston hydro project in NQ
The first of up to 900 construction jobs are starting to flow the Kidston pumped storage hydro project.

Bushland marked as environmental offset for new Sydney airport bulldozed for car park
An area of heritage-listed bushland that formed part of the environmental offset for the western Sydney airport has been bulldozed for a car park at a new defence facility.

Greens target Bass Strait gas drilling
The Greens will demand a ban on new fossil fuel projects in Bass Strait if they secure the balance of power at the federal election.

World’s highest hybrid timber skyscraper
Melbourne-based developer Grange Development has submitted plans for what it says will be the world’s tallest hybrid timber building in South Perth.

Morrison inaction, Ukraine conflict weigh on clean energy investment

Australia’s leading clean energy investors have cited the Russia invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing lack of coherent direction on energy policy from the Morrison government as the key dead weights on investor confidence.