The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan presents several opportunities throughout Queensland, none more so than in the renewable and mineral-rich North and North West regions, the State Government said.
Since 2015, about $800 million has been invested in the Townsville region, creating over 400 megawatts of renewable energy and supporting over 900 construction jobs.
By 2040, an extra $1.45 billion is projected to be invested in Townsville’s electricity infrastructure.
According to the State Government, North Queensland will lead in transforming the State.
During a recent visit to Townsville, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced that the State Government would build and own Copperstring 2032, creating 800 jobs and unlocking over $500 billion in new critical minerals mining.
The Palaszczuk Government said Townsville’s manufacturing capability, which supports strong local jobs in industrial supply chains, as well as the expansion of the region’s publicly owned ports, will capitalise on Australia’s hydrogen export and critical minerals processing opportunities.
Hundreds of jobs will be created during construction, and thousands more will be created throughout the region, including renewables, manufacturing, mining, and critical mineral processing.
“The region has supply chain infrastructure which supports Queensland’s investment in renewables, driving an exciting energy future and ensuring Queensland leads the way in evolving towards cleaner, greener energy,” Minister for Resources Scott Stewart said.
Minister Stewart highlighted the importance of working directly with regional community members to ensure they benefit from the energy future.
“North, North West Queensland is at the heart of Queensland’s status as an energy powerhouse, and this supports job opportunities in the region, backed by the Forum members delivering great outcomes for local communities,” Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water Glenn Butcher said.
Since 2015, over $300 million has been invested in renewable energy infrastructure in Outback Queensland, supporting more than 100 megawatts of clean power and around 300 construction jobs.
“The Queensland Government is also investing in TAFE campuses across the region to train Queenslanders for a brighter future,” Minister Butcher stated.
The State Government is also delivering the $100 million Equipping TAFE for our Future program, which will upgrade TAFE campuses across the regions, adding to the Government’s record investment in training infrastructure of nearly $280 million since 2017.
$85 million has also been committed to Advancing our Training Infrastructure, which has modernised seven flagship campuses around Queensland; these enhancements ensure Queenslanders can train in a world-class TAFE facility.
Members of the Forum will tour significant regional projects, including the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ ‘Grain in the Rain’ site at Bambaroo and the Lucinda seawall.
