The establishment of the new Queensland Energy System Advisory Board has the potential to drive the Sunshine State forward in a coordinated energy transformation.
This initiative aims to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable power for future generations.
Leading a team of energy experts, the board will guide Queensland’s energy transformation by providing crucial advice to the Queensland Government and Energy Minister.
Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, Mick de Brenni, emphasised the necessity of expertise in achieving the energy transition.
“I look forward to collaborating closely with the new board as we advance our energy transformation and strive for more affordable, cleaner energy for generations to come,” said de Brenni.
The inaugural board is bolstered by seven outstanding individuals with diverse expertise.
Leading the board is Leeanne Bond, a Queensland professional engineer renowned for shaping significant green energy projects nationwide.
Bond’s expertise spans energy and resources, technology and innovation, infrastructure governance, and advisory roles across various sectors.
The board’s responsibilities include advising on the Queensland SuperGrid Infrastructure Blueprint review and update, ensuring the state adopts the optimal infrastructure pathway to:
- Achieve renewable energy targets,
- Ensure a safe, secure, and reliable electricity supply,
- Minimise long-term electricity costs for Queensland consumers.
Additionally, the board will provide an annual progress statement on Queensland’s renewable energy targets and SuperGrid implementation.
Members of the new board include:
- Ms Leeanne Bond (Chair): Over 30 years in the Australian energy sector, including roles as Board Chair and Independent Non-Executive Director.
- Mr Mark Carkeet: Experienced solicitor and consultant focusing on energy and resources projects.
- Mr Peter Price: Chief Engineer at Energy Queensland with over 40 years in the Queensland electricity industry.
- Ms Jo Sheppard: CEO of Queensland Farmers Federation, specializing in regional community support and agriculture.
- Professor Paul Simshauser AM: CEO of Powerlink and part-time professor of economics with extensive experience in Queensland’s electricity sector.
- Ms Leann Wilson: First Nations leader facilitating collaboration between Indigenous Australians and the energy sector.
- Ms Kathryn Summers: Power control engineer dedicated to the transition to a net-zero future, awarded Professional Electrical Engineer of the Year in 2020.