RGM Maintenance is set to develop the $18.79 million Defence and Hydrogen Maintenance Hub in Townsville, a specialist hub for electric and hydrogen-powered trucks and Australian Defence Force (ADF) heavy vehicles.
Supported through the Queensland Government’s Industry Partnership Program, the hub will advance North Queensland’s renewable energy supply chain.
“The Defence and Hydrogen Maintenance Hub is another exciting opportunity coming to regional Queensland thanks to our state’s clean energy transformation,” Acting Premier Steven Miles said.
According to Acting Premier Miles, the maintenance hub will specialise in end-to-end sales, repair, and maintenance of clean, green EV and hydrogen heavy transport.
He noted that the project aligns with Queensland’s new-industry development strategy, which focuses on developing industries that will be in high demand as the world decarbonises.
RGM Director Greg Jackson said the Defence and Hydrogen Maintenance Hub is a significant advancement in North Queensland’s next-generation heavy transport system.
“There is enormous potential for EV and hydrogen vehicles in the heavy transport sector and the hub will help put Townsville at the forefront of this expanding sector,” Greg stated.
Additionally, the maintenance hub will support training and additional skilled jobs in renewables transport maintenance.
“Supporting businesses like RGM Maintenance who work in the Defence industry is another way we can help support the jobs of the future in Townsville,” Member for Mundingburra and NQ Hydrogen Champion Les Walker noted.
Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said Townsville is poised to capitalise on Queensland’s clean energy transformation, thereby creating numerous job opportunities for its residents.
“That’s why we’re backing businesses like RGM Maintenance through the Palaszczuk Government’s Industry Partnership Program because it’s important we build the capability and capacity of people in Townsville to take on these new jobs,” Harper added.
Construction works for the Defence and Hydrogen Maintenance Hub is set to commence in late 2024, with its completion expected in late 2025.
“This is a further step forward for the local hydrogen industry and builds on Queensland Government assistance previously provided by the Hydrogen Industry Development Fund (HIDF),” Acting Premier Miles said.
He noted that the HIDF has supported Ark Energy in Townsville, enabling local hydrogen fuel production and trucking fleets to gain traction.
“Ark Energy is developing the SunHQ hydrogen hub a renewable hydrogen production and refuelling facility at the Sun Metals zinc refinery and will be trialling five hydrogen fuel cell electric prime-movers in the Sun Metals fleet,” he explained.
“Other heavy vehicle opportunities are also being investigated in the Townsville region that would also benefit from the Hydrogen Maintenance Hub.”
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart commented, “The Palaszczuk Government is supporting investment in new industries like critical minerals through Copperstring 2032 and hydrogen facilities like this and the SunHQ hydrogen hub which is now under construction.”
