As Queensland powers ahead with the development of its SuperGrid, regional areas are poised to seize the lion's share of opportunities, with an impressive 95% of infrastructure investment and 70% of projected employment set to enrich these areas. Queensland's transition towards clean energy promises a wealth of prospects for local businesses, bolstering the emergence of critical industries that drive the state's economic prosperity.
Under the stewardship of the Queensland Government, ongoing efforts are underway to fortify the economic and social framework necessary for Queensland's burgeoning population. By fostering connectivity, facilitating development, and streamlining business operations, infrastructure investments are propelling Queensland's productivity, enhancing its competitiveness, and nurturing job creation and industry expansion statewide.
Queensland's workforce stands at the heart of the state's energy transformation. From electricians and engineers to technicians and construction workers, their roles are pivotal in establishing clean energy infrastructure. Alongside them, professionals in science, technology, and corporate sectors contribute to this journey, offering opportunities for Queenslanders across the board.
The Queensland Government is steadfast in ensuring the clean energy sector flourishes with skilled workers, presenting Queenslanders with new job prospects. The Queensland Clean Energy Workforce Roadmap, backed by an initial $30 million investment, spearheads this initiative. It forms part of a broader strategy aimed at positioning Queensland as a leader in clean energy development, guaranteeing clean, dependable, and affordable power for future generations.
Aligned with the Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032, which dedicates over $70 million to workforce initiatives, the Roadmap leverages the government's annual investment of over $1.2 billion in skills and training. This concerted effort ensures Queenslanders are equipped to seize current and future workforce opportunities, particularly within the clean energy sector.
The implementation of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan (QEJP) and Queensland SuperGrid Infrastructure Blueprint promises to generate approximately 100,000 jobs in clean energy infrastructure and green growth prospects. Notably, the bulk of these opportunities will emerge in regional areas, bolstering local economies.
The rapid advancement of renewable energy technologies heralds the creation of new specialist roles. Battery engineers, chemists, circular energy system designers, re-manufacturing technicians, and energy traders are just a few examples of emerging job opportunities within the sector.
Transitioning Queensland’s energy systems to lower carbon emissions is no small feat. It requires seamless coordination among governments, industry players, banks, and investors. But where does the infrastructure sector fit into this puzzle? The infrastructure sector has already made significant contributions to the development and funding of many of Australia's renewable energy projects. We believe its greatest impact lies in areas that align with its traditional strengths. One crucial aspect of Australia's energy transition is the development of new transmission infrastructure to support the efficient rollout of renewable energy projects. Without it, we risk encountering familiar hurdles like unpredictable marginal loss factors and curtailments.
Infrastructure investments in Queensland are not just about building roads and bridges; they're about keeping Queenslanders connected, fostering development, and enhancing the ease of doing business. These investments are pivotal in boosting the state's productivity and competitiveness while fuelling job creation and industry development statewide.
The Queensland Government is currently at the helm of a significant building boom, with a record 4-year capital program amounting to $88.729 billion. In the fiscal year 2023–24 alone, this program is projected to directly support approximately 58,000 jobs. These investments mark a generational shift, providing top-tier facilities for all Queenslanders.
The existing workforce in Queensland, spanning energy, resources, manufacturing, and construction sectors, possesses valuable skills and expertise that can seamlessly transition into clean energy roles. Facilitating this transition is vital to ensuring that regional communities across Queensland reap the benefits of the ongoing energy transformation.
To support this transition, existing workers and communities will receive dedicated on-the-ground assistance through Mobile Regional Energy Jobs Hubs established in Queensland Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) regions. These hubs will serve as vital connectors, linking local workers with industry opportunities and relevant training providers. Additionally, they’ll assist small businesses in accessing clean energy prospects, fostering community growth and development.
This sector advancements highlights the Queensland Government's unwavering commitment to its $50 billion Infrastructure Guarantee for new and ongoing projects. These investments lay the foundation for a prosperous and sustainable future for Queensland—a commitment to growth, resilience, and liveability across the state.
30 Apr 2024