Council’s Economic Transition Roadmap one year on

On 15 November 2022, Gladstone Regional Council launched its 10-year Economic Transition Roadmap to support and guide the region in becoming a renewable energy superpower.

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said the detailed plan had been well received locally, nationally and internationally and Council was now working through 95 different actions to achieve a positive outcome for the community.

He said the roadmap was a response to major changes in the energy sector and highlighted work needed in six key areas.

They are:

Energy security and affordability
Establishing a viable hydrogen industry
Economic diversification
Workforce development
Community benefits
Environmental protection.

Councillor Burnett said there were now over 20 renewable energy projects under development and New Project Guidelines have been issued to proponents looking to invest in the region.

“Council is working closely with hydrogen project proponents from three countries to develop supply chains for a viable hydrogen industry,” Cr Burnett said.

“Several initiatives supporting its development have been activated to improve outcomes from lessons learned during the LNG growth period.”

Work is also underway to progress economic diversification which will be key to the region’s future employment opportunities and community strength.

This includes setting up a renewable energy industry precinct and promoting the Gladstone Region through international and national forums.

Cr Burnett said workforce development would be critical in achieving a successful economic transition and the Glad to be in Gladstone liveability program has been activated online to attract workers here.

A Gladstone Region Skills Attraction Toolkit has also been developed to assist in this area.

Council will continue to advocate for improved social infrastructure and equitable access to aged care and health services.

There will also be a strong focus on environmental protection during the next decade, through collaborative efforts to manage impacts of new developments on our ecosystems and waste management.

Internally, Council is reviewing its emission reduction targets across the business and working to increase its use of renewable energy.

Visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/economic-information to view Council’s New Project Guidelines, Gladstone Region Skills Attraction Toolkit and the Gladstone Region Economic Transition Roadmap (2022-2032).

Visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/glad-gladstone to view resources available from the Glad to be in Gladstone website.

Download this media release (PDF)