State Budget activates regional land for new industry development

• The Palaszczuk Government’s upcoming state budget will deliver $45 million over three years to unlock industrial land in Mackay and Gladstone.
• The land will attract investment in new and emerging industries including renewable energy, biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel.

Facilitating new industry growth is a focus in this year’s State Budget, with a key investment set to unlock industrial land in Mackay and Gladstone.

A $45 million investment in the Regional Industrial Land Improvement Program (RILIP), over three years, will enable trunk infrastructure and strategic land in Mackay and Gladstone.

RILIP delivers catalytic infrastructure, like roads, energy, and water infrastructure, and boosts industrial land supply.

In Mackay, the Rosella precinct and the recently announced State Development Area investigation will generate supply of industrial land for the market in the long term.

Unlocking more industrial land in Mackay will produce substantial economic benefits and leverage the region’s traditional strengths in rural industries, such as cane growing and milling.

It will also attract new industries critical to the global shift to net zero including biomanufacturing, biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel.

The funding will also be used to unlock land outside of the Gladstone SDA in Clinton, supporting the establishment of the hydrogen industry and supply chain.

The next stage of Red Rover Road, Clinton will see 28 Industrial lots released and is forecast to employ more than 1,200 workers.

Quotes attributable to the Deputy Premier, Steven Miles:

“The Palaszczuk Government wants to grow industries critical to the global shift to a net zero economy because they will support jobs in regions like Mackay,” Mr Miles said.

“Our population growth and the industry opportunities Queensland offers has seen demand for serviced industrial land grow.

“Our Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan means we need space for new precincts, factories, and manufacturing hubs.

“Industries like biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel will be attracted to regional centres like Mackay because of Mackay’s strong existing agricultural strengths.

“We want to take advantage of the opportunities presented by a global focus on decarbonisation.

“To support these key industries to grow in Queensland and deliver local jobs, we are making more land available.

“Gladstone is already at the centre of Queensland’s renewable energy boom with industry growth to continue. Mackay will receive a much-needed boost in industrial land.

“This is all part of creating bigger and better communities and regions right across the state and securing Queensland’s future.”

Quotes attributable to Mackay MP Julieanne Gilbert:

“This investment is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to deliver jobs, economic opportunities, and development in the Mackay region,” Mrs Gilbert said.  

“Mackay is the ideal location for new industries like biomanufacturing and bioenergy.

“These industries can make products from our local sustainable plant-based resources including fermented foods and aviation fuel.

“More industrial land is key to unlocking future opportunities and creating good jobs in exciting new industries while protecting existing jobs in traditional industries like sugar.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher:

“The Gladstone SDA is perfectly positioned to host large-scale and high-value industry opportunities that will serve a key role in global supply chains,” Mr Butcher said.

“Gladstone is already at the centre of Queensland’s renewable energy boom with industry growth to continue.

“Hydrogen is a priority emerging industry that aligns to Queensland’s strengths, responds to the opportunities presented by a global focus on decarbonisation, and has strong potential for growth.

“We are proactively unlocking the potential of this strategic location to support this industry to grow and create good secure jobs in regional Queensland.”

ENDS