Gladstone Regional Council has this week launched a 10-year economic transition roadmap to support and guide the industrial region to becoming a renewable energy superpower.
In what the Council is claiming is an Australian-first, it’s envisaged the roadmap will help the region to become perfectly positioned to respond to once-in-a-generation changes in the energy sector.
Developed in partnership with regional economic development agency, The Next Economy, Council says the plan is a result of two years of research and engagement involving 220 community, government and industry stakeholders, including First Nations people, energy system workers, unions and educational institutions.
“Council’s decision to endorse the roadmap is an exciting moment for the region’s future. It places us in pole position to capitalise on the economic opportunities of new energy industries, while also ensuring our region maintains its industrial heritage and community vitality in a new transitioned economy,” said Gladstone Mayor, Matt Burnett.
“Council understands how vital it is to continue working with our communities and stakeholders to diversify the region’s economy for long term prosperity. This roadmap helps us determine what needs to be done to realise this vision.”
He said Council wanted to lead the way and determine the region’s future.
The Mayor said the Gladstone Region Economic Transition Roadmap will guide Council on what is required to adapt to a rapidly changing energy sector and support a positive economic transition for its community over the next 10 years.
Key themes of the plan include: Energy security and affordability; Establishing a viable hydrogen industry; Diversifying the economy; Supporting and developing the local workforce; Capturing the community benefits; Protecting land and water resources.
“The Gladstone Region is facing a major economic transformation as industries grapple with the decarbonisation of the global economy. The challenges facing the region, and therefore Gladstone Regional Council, arise from the need to manage the shift away from fossil fuels and manage the impacts associated with new energy industries,” the Mayor said.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King said the Government was proud to support initiatives like the Gladstone Region Economic Transition Roadmap to help Australia’s regions to thrive.
“This Roadmap is a great example of successful collaboration between government, industry and community, and demonstrates the Australian Government’s commitment to investing in partnership with regional communities to deliver the best outcome for regional Australians now and into the future,” she said.
Dr Amanda Cahill, Chief Executive Officer of The Next Economy said the project was the first of its kind in Australia using an inclusive and interactive planning process to engage a diverse group of stakeholders to tackle the challenges and opportunities of energy transition.
“The roadmap will enable Gladstone Regional Council to lead and work with industry, government and the community to navigate changes on the horizon that directly impact the local economy,” said Dr Cahill.
“The Gladstone Region is particularly well positioned to take advantage of new economic opportunities as we shift to new energy solutions, but we also need to plan ahead to manage the potential impacts on the regional economy, community and the environment. We can shape these in ways that benefit all three.”
The Gladstone Regional Council initiative is being delivered in partnership with The Next Economy, with $46,000 in funding from the Federal Government.
To download a copy of the full Roadmap and a summary report please visit: www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/economic-information.
