Regional infrastructure, renewable energy and workforce attraction were in focus as the members of the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Community Forum gathered in Mackay on Monday, chaired by Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert.
“It is fantastic to gather for the first Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Community Forum of the year, and to continue the important work to create a brighter future by discussing priorities for the region,” Ms Gilbert said.
“I thank the Forum members for their amazing support and advice.”
Forum members visited key projects in the region, including the Queensland University of Technology – Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant which is engaged in pioneering research converting biomass into biofuels, green chemicals and other bioproducts.
The Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan and the Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Youth Affairs Meaghan Scanlon were also in attendance.
Since 2015, the state government has invested approximately $1.5 billion in the region to create about 1 gigawatt of large-scale renewable energy, supporting approximately 1,400 construction jobs.
More than $7 billion of additional clean energy infrastructure investment is forecast for the region by 2040.
The vast cane fields and mountain range surrounding Mackay will be a source of innovations in biofuels while playing home to the largest pumped hydro energy storage scheme in the world.
“The Queensland Government has set aside $273.5 million to support exploration of the Pioneer-Burdekin and Borumba Pumped Hydro Energy Storage projects,” said Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Youth Affairs Meaghan Scanlon.
“Community engagement and environmental and cultural considerations are central to this work, which is why the Forum is so important to this region.”
The Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro scheme was announced in September last year as part of the government’s Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
“The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan is helping to power this region,” said Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan.
“The Plan will support workforce transition and galvanise the recruitment of workers from across Australia.”
This was the first meeting of the Forum members in 2023, with three more Regional Community Forums scheduled throughout the year.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert chaired the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Regional Community Forum earlier this week where renewable energy was a top priority. Photo supplied
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