CLEAN ENERGY COMMITMENT Major Funding Announced To Propel Queensland’s Resource Sector

By Hannah McNamara

$38 million in funding has just been announced to enhance Kestrel Coal Resources' capabilities, supporting the construction of a waste gas-to-energy plant as part of the state government’s efforts to decarbonise its resource sector, if re-elected in October.

This investment, along with an additional $5 million to develop the Resources Centre of Excellence in Mackay, was discussed during a meeting between Deputy Premier Cameron Dick, Labor Candidate for Mackay Belinda Hassan and Steve Oxel, CEO of the Resources Centre of Excellence. The funding aims to expand both the coal industry and the broader regional economy by promoting sustainability and innovation.

Deputy Premier Cameron Dick commended the leadership at the Resources Centre of Excellence and its role in shaping the future of Queensland’s resource sector. 

“The work being conducted in Paget, Mackay, is not only renowned but also globally recognised,” he said.

One of the key announcements from the Deputy Premier was the allocation of the second funding stream from the government’s Low Emissions Partnership Program. This program is dedicated to supporting initiatives that reduce emissions and ensure the sustainability of Queensland’s metallurgical coal industry. As part of this effort, $38 million has been earmarked for Kestrel Coal Resources, a major mining company near Emerald.

This funding will facilitate the construction of a waste gas-to-energy plant that will capture emissions, including methane and convert them into energy.

“That’s enough energy to power 40,000 homes in Queensland," said Mr Dick.

"It’s a big win for the mining industry and a significant step toward sustainability, and it’s something we are committed to delivering as a government.”

In addition to this investment, the government reaffirmed its commitment to the Resources Centre of Excellence, with a promise of an additional $5 million to support the second stage of the centre’s development.

The new funding will help expand its capabilities, including the establishment of a FlexiLab mineral processing plant.

"We’ve been so incredibly impressed by the work the Resources Centre of Excellence has done, particularly through the stage one development,” Mr Dick said.

“Now, the facility moves to stage two, and that additional $5 million will ensure this facility can be the best of its kind in the world.”

Belinda Hassan, Labor Candidate for Mackay, also expressed her enthusiasm for the announcement.

“We punch well above our weight in providing economic benefits to Queensland, and to see that money come back to our region and to be able to expand that is absolutely amazing,” she said.

Steve Oxel, CEO of the Resources Centre of Excellence, welcomed the news, noting the importance of continued support for the centre's growth.

“Our region has so many opportunities ahead of us…it would be wrong not to take advantage of the opportunities that are there," Mr Oxel said.

‍

Steve Oxel, CEO of the Resources Centre of Excellence with Labor Candidate for Mackay Belinda Hassan and Deputy Premier Cameron Dick. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

‍