Miles Doing What Matters: $76 million to back future jobs and industry in regional Queensland

• $76 million fund launched to support regional jobs in future industries across regional Queensland
• The Regional Transformation Strategies Transformation will fund 59 projects identified as priorities by regional communities
• New and emerging industries with a focus on renewables and decarbonisation will attract key investment

The Miles Government is backing a new wave of economic development and jobs in regional Queensland with a $76.4 million strategy to support industries of the future.

The Regional Economic Strategies launched today will support 59 jobs-generating State Government and Council-led projects in four regional areas.

The strategies have been co-designed with regional communities to guide economic diversification and energy transformation projects and includes:

• $22.05 million for 19 projects in North West Queensland;
• $20.03 million for 18 projects in the Darling Downs, South West and South Burnett region;
• $17.7 million for 14 projects in Central Queensland; and
• $16.62 million for eight projects in the Greater Whitsunday region

These regions are home to traditional, primary industries that today are a significant source of economic activity and jobs. They also have unique opportunities to support newer industries like critical minerals, renewable energy, hydrogen and biofuels, which will thrive in a decarbonised world.

Regional Transformation Strategies have been co-designed with community leaders, including local governments, to identify key economic strengths and industry priorities based on the unique geography, resources and workforce skills of each region.

The $76.4 million in funding is being drawn from the State Government’s $200 million Regional Economic Futures Fund.

Find out more about Queensland’s clean energy future at www.qld.gov.au/wearethefuture.

Alongside Regional Transformation Strategies the Queensland Government is engaging with the community and key stakeholders to continue to develop Regional Infrastructure Plans and Regional Land Use Plans to reflect and align the economic, infrastructure, land use and social aspirations of the region.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“I’m focused on creating opportunities in the industries of the future and delivering the clean, reliable and affordable energy that Queenslanders need.

“Regional Queensland has the resources and skills to drive this energy transformation – only my government is backing the regions every step of the way.

“We’ve already locked in renewable energy and emissions reduction targets to support industry growth and attract greater investment in renewables.

“My government’s Regional Transformation Strategies will underpin our state’s low-emissions global economy, while supporting economic uplift in regional communities.

“Queensland’s clean energy future matters to me, to the future of our state and to the next generation of clean economy workers who are set to benefit from the decisions we make today.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick:

“The global economy is undergoing a historic shift from carbon-intensive industries to a cleaner, decarbonised economy.

“Queensland’s trading partners need critical minerals for batteries, green hydrogen for clean energy and biofuels for low-emissions supply chains.

“Our regions are well placed with resources and infrastructure to supply the world with the products it needs for decarbonisation.

“Harnessing regional Queensland’s distinctive strengths is key to ensuring that our state is globally competitive and home to vibrant regional communities that continue to prosper.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace:

“Harnessing the skills of regional Queenslanders will play a huge role in driving the State’s future economic development.

“The Regional Transformation Strategies we’re launching will put these skills these skills to great use, along with the huge resources wealth in our regions.

“We’re determined to harness the benefits of new and emerging industries in our regions for the benefit of the entire State.

of regional Queensland to unlock the opportunities presented by global decarbonisation. 

“We will continue to partner with local government, industry and the wider community in the regions to unlock the benefits of the decarbonising economy.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Mick de Brenni: 

“These investments are about backing the combination of clever forward thinking, and good old fashioned Queensland ingenuity and innovation - qualities our regions have in spades.

“This puts regional Queenslanders in the driver's seat of the clean economic transition, ensuring they reap the big financial rewards.

“Whilst these projects show Queenslanders are moving quickly to leverage the benefits of decarbonisation, the LNP and David Crisafulli are seeking to delay the transition with nuclear, trashing the plans of councils and regional communities.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Julieanne Gilbert:

“The Miles Government is investing in our regions to create sustainable jobs and stronger, more diverse economies based on locally identified strengths and priorities.

“Regional transformation is critical to achieving Queensland’s renewable energy and emissions reduction targets, and capitalising on our existing strengths to meet global demand for cleaner, greener and more responsibly sourced products.

“Funding is being allocated to projects that have been identified through regional consultation as those that will best support the region’s economy over the long term.

“These regions have a strong, vibrant future and the Miles Government is committed to supporting their transformation into world-class, low-carbon economies.”

Quotes attributable to Local Government Association of Queensland Chief Executive Officer Alison Smith:

“For generations, Queensland’s economic success has been built on the back of a strong resources industry and the communities that have enabled it to thrive.

“As Queensland’s economy transforms to a clean energy future, resource communities and their councils need place-based plans that respond to the social and economic challenges ahead.

“A successful transformation needs to be coordinated across government departments at a state level, but driven and delivered locally. Each of our resource communities is unique and face different challenges.

“Without a tailored long-term economic and social sustainability plan, these communities will be left behind.”

ENDS