Hunter’s workforce on the fast track to a net zero future

Last updated: 31 Jan 2025

The Hunter is fast tracking its transition to a low-emissions economy, and a net zero future means developing a skilled workforce to support it. 

Last week, the Prime Minister announced a $20.7 million investment for the Future Industries Facility at University of Newcastle, set to be operational next year.  

“This project will boost education, employment and training opportunities for Newcastle and the surrounding region,” the Prime Minister said. 

The investment will fund a 1250sqm and 1500sqm industrial-scale research translation and demonstration space in Newcastle. It is designed to test and scale-up new technology and upskill workers in Australia’s energy, resources, and manufacturing sectors for the net zero economy. 

The University of Newcastle, a recipient of the funding under the Precincts and Partnerships program, estimates the facility will contribute more than $160 million annually to the Hunter region’s economy and create 740 direct and indirect jobs.  

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said:  

‘This new facility will provide the missing link on the pathway between idea and commercialisation for SMEs. It will meet three critical needs – the need for technology innovation; for decarbonised energy resources and manufacturing and the need for skills at scale.’ 

‘It will provide a front door for business wishing to access a smart, diverse and skilled workforce, and will give undergraduate students really valuable experience working on these projects and showing them their potential career pathways.’ 

Several commercial enterprises and research projects already operate at the university, providing students with hands-on experience in net zero innovation and sustainable careers. These include: 

  • Kardinia Energy – which prints solar cells onto paper thin recycled PET plastic
  • MCI Carbon - whose technology converts carbon dioxide into building materials and other valuable products and
  • The ARC Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals (COEMinerals) – which is pioneering new ways to separate minerals and metals using less water, less energy and with less waste.

An accompanying Career Ready Placement Program will function as an industry academy for students, focusing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and First Nations participation. 

  • Businesses