Region in focus: Central Queensland

Central Queensland has always been a place where things are made and exported to the world. The transition to net zero presents both challenges and opportunities for the whole region as the economic transformation progresses. The area is spread across more than 100,000 square kilometres made up of a range of regional towns including Banana, Biloela, Central Highlands-East, Emerald, Gladstone, Rockhampton and Yeppoon. 

Opportunities for the region 

Central Queensland’s industrial strength, connected communities, and commitment to innovation ensure it is well-placed to adapt to a changing economy. Central Queensland’s economy is diversifying and has considerable potential to be a green manufacturing powerhouse and produce green aluminium, alumina and hydrogen. Local Councils across Central Queensland are generally pro-business and pro-renewables, subject to social licence. There is a strong pipeline of renewable energy projects in Central Queensland. There is a range of opportunities in development:  

• Up to $400 million in new loans from the Australian government to Alpha HPA to deliver Australia’s first high-purity alumina processing facility.
   
• Signed deals by Rio Tinto to power its Boyne aluminium smelter in Gladstone with solar and wind energy from renewable projects across Central Queensland. Rio Tinto has now secured supply for 80% of Boyne aluminium smelter’s annual average electricity demand and 30% of firming capacity, which will reduce the smelter’s scope 1 and 2 emissions by 70% or 5.6 Mt of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.
   
• The Australian Government’s Powering the Regions Fund which announced $93 million for an energy efficiency upgrade at the Queensland Alumina Limited refinery in Gladstone.
   
• A $2 million grant from the Australian Government to Banana Shire Council to establish a new industry hub within the Biloela Industrial Estate (BIE). The BIE is being expanded due to high demand. The estate provides an opportunity to utilise the skilled local workforce to develop green manufacturing in a location boasting a strong pipeline of renewable energy projects.
   
• Stanwell’s 300 MW, 4-hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is under construction at the Stanwell Power Station, located 22 km west of Rockhampton. $747 million has been committed to the project. 

Skills in the workforce 

The Australian Government is working with communities across Central Queensland to provide training, reskilling support and employment opportunities.  

Among the initiatives are a New Energy Apprenticeships Program providing payment of up to $10,000 to help apprentices skill up in clean energy sectors, and a New Energy Apprentices Mentoring Program that connects apprentices with a relevant industry mentor.  

CQUniversity’s Centre for Hydrogen and Renewable Energy provides world-class research, training and support to the emerging hydrogen and renewable energy industries in Central Queensland. The university's Hydrogen Community Hub is an interactive space designed to bridge the gap between industry advancements and public understanding. 

Central Queensland is uniquely placed to build on its industrial heritage and seize the benefits of the transformation. The Net Zero Economy Authority is continuing to work with the region to ensure it has the right supports in place to make the most of the transition.  

You can find out more about our plans for Gladstone and Central Queensland, and other regions on our Community transition plans page.