Biloela: powering the charge to net zero

The Net Zero Economy Authority (Agency) is committed to ensuring Australian communities and regional areas transition to a net zero future with equity and opportunity at the forefront.?

An Agency team, made up of Kevin Quek, Ben Reeves, and Effie Tan, recently joined Australian Government Employment Facilitators (AGEFs) – our colleagues from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations Noni Ryan and Elysha Marriott (the Central Queensland Regional Workforce Transition Officer team) in visiting regions in Central Queensland, including Biloela and Rockhampton.

The Central Queensland visit was crucial for understanding the unique challenges and opportunities faced by these communities as they navigate the transition to a net zero economy.

Bustling Biloela, home to the Callide Power Station, is a focal point in Queensland’s energy landscape. The power station, operated by CS Energy, is undergoing a transformative journey from coal-fired power generation to incorporating renewable energy assets.?

During the Agency’s visit, Christopher Withoos, the Organisational Capability and Transformation Manager at CS Energy, provided an in-depth tour of the Callide Power Station. We were able to meet some of the workers and gain valuable insights into the measures being taken to ensure a smooth and just transition for the workforce.

The Queensland Energy Workers’ Charter and the current $150 million Job Security Guarantee provide personalised support, skills training, relocation assistance, and retention incentives for workers impacted by the changes. These initiatives are also designed to ensure that workers at Callide, as well as those in associated industries, are supported fairly through the transition. This visit provided practical insights on how supports in Queensland are being delivered, which usefully informs the worker supports being developed from the Commonwealth.

Another significant aspect of the visit was the Agency’s presentation to the Central Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (CQROC), which includes representatives from the Banana Shire, Central Highlands, Gladstone, Livingstone Shire, Rockhampton, and the Aboriginal Shire of Woorabinda. The conversations were open and constructive, focusing on the potential roles and functions of a Net Zero Economy Authority as well as local priorities and concerns.

Key takeaways from the discussions included the importance of reliable power supplies during the transition; the importance of high-quality employment opportunities for the local workforce in new industries such as renewable energy generation and manufacturing and the need to spread opportunities across regions in Central Queensland.

The Agency's time in Central Queensland highlighted the importance of engaging with communities on the ground. By partnering with local governments, community organisations, First Nations peoples and industry stakeholders, the Agency will work to support a net zero transition that is inclusive, equitable and beneficial to local communities.

As we continue our work in these areas, we remain dedicated to fostering strong relationships with the communities we serve. The insights gained from Central Queensland will help to inform the Agency’s strategies and actions as we move forward, ensuring that no one is left behind in the charge towards a sustainable future.

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