Central Queensland on course for a sustainable future

• Queensland Government strategy to support economic diversification and decarbonisation in Central Queensland
• Energy, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and logistics identified as key industry strengths
• Region’s transformation kickstarted by $17.7 million in state funding for 14 Queensland Government and council-led projects

Central Queenslanders can capitalise on the global transition to a clean energy economy by leveraging their skills and resources in industries such as agriculture and manufacturing.

The Queensland Government has announced the Central Queensland Regional Transformation Strategy to support the region to seize opportunities presented by decarbonisation.

Developed following extensive community, local government and industry consultation, the co-designed plan identifies key economic strengths and industry priorities based on the region’s unique geography, resources and workforce skills.

To kickstart its transformation, the Queensland Government is also unlocking $17.7 million from the $200 million Regional Economic Futures Fund for 14 Queensland Government and council-led projects.

This includes a $5.4 million contribution towards a $9 million industrial precinct proposed by Banana Shire Council to accommodate low carbon emission industries in Biloela.

Find out more about Central 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 Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace:

“Regional Queensland has an important role to play in the future industries that will underpin a low-emissions global economy, as identified in the Queensland New-Industry Development Strategy.

“We’ve worked closely with local governments, industry and the wider community to co-design and develop a Regional Transformation Strategy for Central Queensland, which is one of four priority regions.

“It outlines how the region can harness its valuable natural assets, heavy industry capability, strong agricultural and mining sectors, and emerging capability in green hydrogen to create jobs and drive investment in industries that will thrive in a decarbonised world.

“Opportunities include decarbonised advanced manufacturing, strong renewable energy supply chain capabilities, advanced and value-added agriculture, and sustainable, connected transport and logistics networks.

“Central Queensland has a strong, vibrant future and the Queensland Government is committed to supporting its transformation into a world-class, low-carbon economy.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water Glenn Butcher:

“The Miles Government is committed to backing local manufacturers to grab future opportunities with both hands.

“We’re not only decarbonising our economy, but we’re delivering more jobs for Central Queenslanders.

“It’s great to see more funding delivered for Gladstone to help grow future industries and more jobs in our community.

“We’re planning for the future – unlike the LNP who are planning to privatise Queensland energy assets.”

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 the Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga:

“Central Queensland’s Regional Transformation Strategy and the accompanying Regional Economic Future Fund is a great example of what our region needs in the coming years.

“It’s no secret that the world is turning to a renewable, clean energy future.

“Not only does this plan invest in Central Queensland, but it does so with a focus on emerging sustainable technologies. It will capitalise on funding projects that will enhance our status as an emerging clean energy powerhouse.

“Our region has the expertise and resources, and this strategy will ensure the industry gets the kickstarts it needs.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke:

“We know Central Queensland is key to transforming this state into a clean energy powerhouse.

“Our Regional Transformation Strategy coupled with the Regional Economic Futures Fund will mean the Rockhampton region’s skills, knowledge and ideas can drive the future of this state.

“It’s going to be exciting to see the new industries and businesses that grow as a result”.

Quotes attributable to Mayor Tony Williams, Rockhampton Regional Council

“The Regional Transformation Strategy and Regional Economic Futures Fund are important investments in Central Queensland’s future and will set us on a path to securing new jobs, industries and economic growth.

“We know there are changes occurring at a national and global level that will shape our local economies in the future.

“The Regional Transformation Strategy sets out a blueprint to diversify and evolve our regions to take advantage of those changes and ensure that all of Queensland has the plan and tools to succeed.”

Fast facts about the Central Queensland region:

• Spans 170,971 square kilometres, extending from the Capricorn Coast, west to Barcaldine, north to the southern boundary of Isaac Regional Council, and south to Gladstone.
• Comprises seven local government areas: Rockhampton, Livingstone, Gladstone, Banana, Central Highlands, Woorabinda and Barcaldine
• Currently home to over 237,000 people, with the population projected to grow to over 285,000 by 2046.
• Healthcare and social assistance is the region’s biggest employer.
• Top five industries by gross output: mining ($17.8 billion), manufacturing ($11.2 billion), construction ($5.7 billion), electricity, gas, water and waste ($4 billion), and transport, postal and warehousing ($2.5 billion).
• Key industry strengths in a clean energy economy: energy, agriculture, manufacturing, transport and logistics.

Newly approved projects under the $200 million Regional Economic Futures Fund (REFF)

ENDS

Media contact: Kim Sweetman 0457 600 237