Central Queensland needs help to grab clean energy “once in a generation” opportunity
Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor |
A new report says the transition to renewable energy is a once in a generation opportunity for central Queensland communities, but they’ll need more support to make the change.
The Climate Council report, Australia’s Clean Engine Room: Central Queensland’s Industrial Future, says central Queensland could see strong economic growth.
It says accelerating investment and development in renewables and clean industries could create new export industries and add billions to the local economy.
The report says the green energy transition could unlock tens of thousands of new jobs and protect existing manufacturing jobs.
The Climate Council said the Queensland Government 10-year energy plan, due out later this month, should send a clear signal to clean industries and investors that the state is open for business.
Deputy Mayor of Gladstone Regional Council, Kahn Goodluck, said his region has a proud industrial heritage, and must act to secure its future.
“Failure is not an option. Our workers and their families’ livelihoods depend on it.
“It’s not just about capitalising on the opportunities that come with new industries such as hydrogen.
“It’s also about decarbonising our existing industries and protecting, sustaining, and even growing those jobs in a post-2050 world with net zero emissions.
“We have some of the biggest industry players in the world, but we can’t leave it to industry and business alone.
“We need government policies and investment that support success.”
A new YouGov poll found strong voter support in central Queensland for a transition to renewables.
But it also found more than 80 per cent believe their community is not getting enough support to prepare for a future without fossil fuels.
CEO of The Next Economy, Amanda Cahill, said community sentiment is firmly behind a transition to clean energy.
“I’ve seen a huge shift over the last 18 months.
“People are seeing the opportunities the energy transition can bring, but also the risks of not managing change well.
“We’ve gone from conversations about whether it’s happening to more detailed planning to work out how to manage change and to ensure the community benefits.
“Central Queensland is incredibly well placed to benefit from the transition.
“It has abundant solar and wind resources but also has an industrial base, so we can use that energy to power manufacturing.
“It’s ticking all the boxes as an economic powerhouse.”
Fortescue Future Industries head of manufacturing, Cameron Smith, said Gladstone is the perfect place to establish the company’s green energy manufacturing centre.
“It has a large port with excellent capacity, a skilled workforce, and an almost unlimited ability for industry to expand to the north and west of the town, all reasons why the location makes sense for us.
“Ultimately, our competitors are not other green industries. Our competitors are fossil fuels.
“Renewables will become cheaper than fossil fuels and the second they do, fossil fuels are gone.
“We’re doing something better for people, better for the environment and we can demonstrate how to do it commercially.”
The Climate Council report says the Federal and Queensland governments must upskill local workers for jobs in new, clean industries, and support the new transmission infrastructure to connect the state’s renewable energy zones.
It also calls for a mandated renewable energy storage target, and transition plans for coal-fired power stations by 2024.
Climate Councillor and economist, Nicki Hutley, said governments must lead the transition to green energy.
“There are currently over 5.6 gigawatts of battery, solar and wind projects announced in central Queensland, which could see its renewable energy capacity increase by almost 20 times and create close to 9,000 jobs.
“Now state governments need to act quickly to ensure regions like central Queensland can continue to capitalise on the world’s clean energy shift and lead in industries such as green steel, renewable hydrogen, critical minerals, and battery manufacturing.
“With the right leadership and support, central Queensland could be transformed into Queensland’s clean engine room.”
