Gladstone Regional Council partners with The Next Economy to discuss Central Queensland’s energy future

Residents are being asked to take part in shaping Gladstone’s energy future but Colin Boyce says coal is here to stay, so, what do you think?

Gladstone’s workforce will be crucial in deciding what the future of the region’s energy economy looks like, and now residents are being asked to share their thoughts.

Residents will have an opportunity this weekend to voice their opinion on future energy industries and new economic opportunities for Central Queensland.

But Callide MP, and LNP candidate for Flynn, Colin Boyce says the summit is just council’s attempt to have an each-way bet on coal and renewables.

Gladstone Regional Council, in partnership with The Next Economy, will host a number of forums in the coming days to engage with key stakeholders and the community which will guide future energy policy decisions.

Gladstone’s Alumina refinery is currently a massive employer in the region. Picture: Liam Kidston

Attendees will discuss the impact that changes to the energy system are having on the region and have their say about what they want for the future.

The Next Economy CEO, Dr Amanda Cahill said the Gladstone region is particularly well placed to take advantage of emerging technologies and new energy solutions.

“We’ll be designing a road map for the Gladstone Region over the next ten years to help navigate changes in the energy sector that directly impact the local economy,” Dr Cahill said.

“We are already seeing a lot of change across Central Queensland … but we also need to plan ahead to manage the potential impacts on our regional economy and build community resilience,” she said.

Dr Amanda Cahill (left) is CEO of The Next Economy and Hayley Morris is Executive Director of the Morris Group.

The forums will explore ongoing energy security, stability and affordability; supporting local industry and workers; new infrastructure; maintaining the region’s industrial heritage; protecting land and water resources; and, protecting the community.

It comes as thousands of employees will be incentivised to spend longer with their newborn as one mining giant overhauls its parental leave scheme.

Gladstone Regional Council Deputy Mayor, Kahn Goodluck, said the forum would discuss renewable energy and other emerging technologies that had the potential to boost the local economy.

“The forums will cover topics such as supporting and developing the local workforce, energy affordability, diversifying the economy, and protecting land and water resources,” Cr Goodluck said.

Deputy Mayor Kahn Goodluck says Gladstone’s economy could be boosted by taking up the new opportunities presented by renewable energy. Picture: Supplied.

The initiative is made possible with funding from the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, something Callide MP Colin Boyce took exception to.

“Funding for this project was applied for by Matt Burnett’s Gladstone Regional Council, giving the people of Flynn an indication of Labor and the Greens’ plans for our coal industry,” Mr Boyce said.

“I’ve been unequivocal in my support for the coal industry and that’s what voters can expect from me as their federal representative,” he said.

LNP Flynn Colin Boyce makes no apology and says voters know where he stands on coal. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

Forums will be held in Agnes Water on Saturday and Gladstone on Sunday from 9am to engage with the community.

There will also be a First Nations Forum on Tuesday, March 22 from 9.30am-1pm at Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct.

An online forum will also be made available on Wednesday March 30.

More details on the events can be found on the GRC website.

Registration is essential before attending to ensure compliance with Covid-19 protocols.