The Queensland Government is investing $45 million in Gladstone to construct the first Queensland SuperGrid Training Centre and Transmission Hub.
In a statement, the Queensland Government said establishing the Queensland SuperGrid Training Centre and Transmission Hub will accelerate the implementation of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
The centre will be a purpose-built facility that will serve as a regional training facility for energy system personnel, generating an even more trained workforce to better meet rising demand and shifting priorities in Central Queensland.
Energy Minister Mick de Brenni stated that the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan lays out a clear roadmap to providing clean, reliable, and cheap energy that will power future generations.
“Building the Queensland SuperGrid is critical to unlocking 100,000 new jobs in energy generation, green hydrogen, critical minerals mining and battery manufacturing,” Minister de Brenni said.
Minister de Brenni added that as Central Queensland’s energy mix evolves and expands to satisfy shifting global demand, the first of two Queensland SuperGrid Training Centre and Transmission Hubs will play a crucial role in the country’s future.
“Dedicated training facilities will allow for more than 500 energy workers each year to be upskilled in a range of areas, including high voltage technical training,” the Minister stated.
According to Gladstone Member and Minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing, and Water Glenn Butcher, the centre will preserve Gladstone’s great industrial heritage for future generations.
Butcher said the new centre would increase Queensland’s regional training capacity, with more than 90 employees likely to be headquartered there over the next ten years.
“We expect a range of roles to be located at the hub including community relations, cultural heritage relations, project management, field staff, health, safety and environment officers, training officers, engineers, support services staff and tradespersons,” Butcher stated.
He added that opportunities for apprentices would be a critical focus to ensure we can nurture our pipeline of skilled locals as we deliver on our promises under the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett hailed the announcement, calling it another show of confidence in the Gladstone region’s decarbonised future.
“We have industry knocking down the door to come to Gladstone because we have a real plan for more jobs in more industries,” Mayor Burnett said.
According to the Mayor, these types of projects place us in a solid position to capitalise on the economic prospects presented by new energy businesses while ensuring that our region retains its industrial legacy and community vitality in a new transitioned economy.
“This centre is a clear sign that the Queensland Government’s Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan will deliver a stronger future for Central Queensland,” Mayor Burnett stated.
Powerlink CEO Paul Simshauser said that the training centre and transmission hub would benefit Queenslanders considerably.
“This facility will give Powerlink a local presence in Gladstone, providing a base for our people to support the energy system transformation and enable us to engage with local communities,” Simshauser stated.
Simshauser added that Powerlink is relocating to this temporary location while it finalises the purchase of a suitable permanent site in Gladstone, with construction set to begin in 2024.
“The hub will also see improved emergency response times, logistics management and utilisation of regional ports to reduce road haulage,” he said.
