Wilson said the Garnaut interim report, released February 21 this year, spells out the need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The report, by economist Ross Garnaut, recommends long-term planning, as well as short-term targets, as the best way to counteract global warming.

“One option is undeniably clear: the long-term future for Australia and the world doesn't include business as usual. We cannot keep doing what we were doing," Wilson said.

“A price on carbon, through a national emissions trading scheme, is necessary to achieve structural change. But the price can be managed by setting targets that reflect short- and long-term emission reduction opportunities.

“Under our energy initiatives, we expect to reduce that to around 51 million tonnes by 2020.”

The Queensland Government has launched a $50 million Smart Energy Savings Fund to encourage businesses to invest in energy-saving measures.

“We're putting our money on the table, rolling up our sleeves and getting on with the job of addressing this very real threat to our environment," Wilson said.