Gladstone Regional Council has welcomed the official launch of a new Powerlink regional training base for energy workers.
The interim Queensland SuperGrid Training Centre and Transmission Hub has been established in Gladstone while Powerlink finalises the acquisition of a permanent site, with construction expected to commence for the long-term facility in 2024.
The Hub will provide “a home away from home” to Powerlink teams and industry partners working on energy projects in the region.
“We welcome the opening of the new hub as it brings more industry to Gladstone’s doorstep and provides our community with a variety of new employment and training opportunities in an evolving sector,” said Mayor, Matt Burnett.
“The hub is a clear sign that the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan will deliver a strong and stable future for Central Queensland.”
Queensland Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Minister, Mick de Brenni said the Hub would drive “decent, secure jobs” in regional Queensland’s energy transition.
More than 90 jobs are expected to be based at the training hub over the next 10 years, while 500 energy workers each year will be upskilled in a range of areas, including high voltage technical training.
“Building the SuperGrid is key to unlocking 100,000 new jobs in energy generation, green hydrogen, critical minerals mining and battery manufacturing, so everything we see happening in this busy region is essentially driving the clean energy industrial revolution,” said Minister de Brenni.
“It’s facilities like these which bring the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan to life, setting a clear path to deliver the clean, reliable and affordable energy of the future while delivering on our renewable energy targets.”
Member for Gladstone, Glenn Butcher said the opening of the Hub is a strong catalyst for Powerlink to strengthen its regional presence and will allow for energy workers each year to be upskilled in a range of areas, including high voltage technical training.
“We are delighted to have Queensland’s first hub located in Gladstone, which will provide a significant boost for local employment and training opportunities – with more than 90 jobs expected to be based at the facility over the next 10 years,” said Mr Butcher.
“This is an exciting time for Central Queensland as we cultivate new employment pathways for our local people at this state-of-the-art facility.”
Assistant Minister for Energy, Lance McCallum as on hand at the official launch to introduce the first two Powerlink recruits to be based at the Hub – Gladstone Hub Facilitator, David Mallia and Senior Health, Safety and Environment Representative Samantha Austin.
“I’m proud to officially open the new Queensland SuperGrid Training Centre and Transmission Hub, noting the important role this facility will play in underpinning the energy transformation in Central Queensland,” Mr McCallum said.
