Resources Minister Scott Stewart spoke at a conference in Gladstone on Thursday

Resources Minister Scott Stewart spoke of Gladstone’s unique position in Queensland and Australia’s transition to renewable energy.

Gladstone’s emerging role as a hydrogen and skilled workers hub could see the city become a focal point of Queensland’s renewable energy transformation.

Speaking from Gladstone as part of consultation on the draft Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan, Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the emerging hydrogen industry would create new markets and job opportunities for the resources sector, particularly in Central Queensland.

“Queensland’s gas is supporting greater renewable energy generation by assisting with grid reliability, and it will continue to be important for manufacturing,” Mr Stewart said.

“But a key challenge for this industry over the coming years will be developing new sources of gas supply as existing reserves begin to decline.

“Our jointly-funded $10 million Bowen Basin pipeline study with the Federal Government is just one way we are working to find new gas supply.

“There will also be increasing opportunity for gas producers to become diversified energy providers by investing in low emissions gases like hydrogen.

“That is why one of the proposed actions in the draft plan includes reviewing the Petroleum and Gas Act to ensure we are ready for hydrogen and other clean resources to be used in our homes.”

The draft Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan outlines the Queensland Government’s 30-year vision for the resources industry, opportunities for industry growth and diversification, the industry’s lead role in Queensland’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The draft plan has 43 actions that address six key focus areas including growing and diversifying the industry, strengthening ESG credentials and protecting the environment and fostering coexistence and sustainable communities

Mr Stewart said keeping jobs local was a priority for the Palaszczuk Government, which would work with industry to ensure automation did not see jobs leaving regional communities.

“The government is doing our part to support a resilient, responsible and sustainable resources sector that can meet the demands of the future,” he said.

“We also expect industry to invest in retraining and re-skilling to prepare workers for emerging resources industries including hydrogen, biogas and biomethane.

“By providing the right training locally, to local people – we can help protect and grow our regional communities, regional jobs and regional economies for decades to come.”

The Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan is open for consultation until February 2022 with the final plan due for release in mid-2022.

Visit HERE for more information.