Connecting Industry News: January 2025.
Kieran Moran - Connecting Industry.
On a mission to empower the resource and construction supply chain to lead and push beyond their perceived limitations. Connecting Industry Director - LinkedIn Local Manager
WELCOME to the Connecting Industry News. Every two months, Connecting Industry will keep you up to date on the latest resource and construction news, information, events, and procurement opportunities in Queensland and Australia.
In this month's Connecting Industry News, are you taking business relationships for granted? Key government declarations for QEM project, massive solar and four-hour big battery project joins queue for federal green tick, and join the Connecting Industry Podcast with Ilaria Giovannetti, Strategic Sales Manager for Renewable Energy at R?hlig Logistics.
Enjoy the January edition of Connecting Industry News.
Relationships taken for granted.
Over the past decade, I've observed that strategic relationships development, nurturing, and sustained skills are chronically misunderstood and underdeveloped competences within many organisations. When you set a lofty goal for yourself, you need to ask not only “what” and “how” but also “with” and “through whom?” Business relationships are not standalone activities. They enable, accelerate, and maximise your ability to achieve your goals.
When organisations plan projects and strategic initiatives, they carefully define the financial investments, timeline, resources, and skills needed. They create project charters and write detailed project management plans, but few teams ask critical relationship-based questions such as “which relationships do we need and why?”
On an individual level, this oversight is very predictable. Most professionals never received formal training in relationship building skills, knowledge, or behaviours. Relationship development-based practise are rarely covered within schools, professional development programmes, or universities. Business leaders rarely consider this issue, and, as a result, a critical competency is missing.
As an example, a few years ago, I was engaged by a mid-sized engineering firm to assist them in building strategic business, government, and community relationships after they lost a major contract for a renewable energy project
They had the technical expertise, a well-structured proposal, and the financial backing—but they lost the bid. Why? Because another company had invested years in building relationships with key stakeholders - not just the project owners, but also local suppliers, community leaders, and regulatory bodies.
The winning company wasn’t necessarily more qualified; they simply understood that success wasn’t just about what they could do but also who they needed to engage. They had built trust, nurtured alliances, and positioned themselves as the natural choice long before the formal bidding process even began.
This is the reality of strategic relationship development. It’s not an afterthought or a “nice-to-have” - it’s a core business strategy that determines long-term success. Whether it’s winning contracts, driving innovation, or navigating complex projects, those who master the art of relationship-building will always have a competitive edge.
So, to bridge this gap, organisations and professionals must recognise relationships as strategic assets - just as vital as financial resources, technology, and expertise. Investing in relationship-building skills should be an intentional and continuous process, embedded into professional development, leadership training, and organisational strategy.
By shifting our mindset and prioritising "who" we engage with as much as "what" we do, businesses can unlock greater opportunities, accelerate innovation, and drive long-term success. In a world where collaboration is key, those who master the art of strategic relationship development will gain a competitive edge that no amount of technical expertise alone can replace.
Kieran Moran.
Connecting Industry Director.
Industry News Briefs.
Step forward for CQ’s Big G pumped hydro project.
A proposal for a Central Queensland pumped hydro energy storage scheme with a generating capacity of up to 800MW has reached an approvals milestone.
Located at Mount Alma on the Calliope Range, about 35km north-east of Biloela, the Big G PHES has been designed with the ability to operate as a single 800MW PHES or two 400MW PHES projects with separate upper reservoirs and a single shared lower reservoir.
The project proponent is Be Power, which also advanced the Cressbrook Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) project – also known as ‘Big T’ – 45km north-east of Toowoomba.
Government-owned generator Stanwell Corporation Limited late last year announced that it was purchasing that 400MW project from BE Power.
Construction of the pumped hydro Big G PHES is expected to take up to six years, with up to 1000 workers during the peak construction period.
Massive solar and four-hour big battery project joins queue for federal green tick.
A 720MW solar farm and four-hour/2,880MWh battery project being proposed for the North Burnett Region near Gladstone in Queensland has been referred for assessment under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
According to details published Tuesday on the EPBC public database, the proposed North Burnett Renewable Energy Hub is being developed by the local subsidiary of Spanish renewable energy project company X-ELIO.
The solar project would measure 720MWp while a companion 720 MW battery energy storage system would provide four hours of storage, or 2,880MWh.
Located approximately 140 kilometres south-west of Gladstone, in the northern catchment area of the Burnett River, the proposed project has already submitted the necessary ecological assessment report, which was completed by local environmental consultants NGH.
Should X-ELIO secure the necessary approvals for the solar farm and battery project, the developer expects construction to last around 36 months. The project is expected to have an operational life of 30 years.
New Hope to resume New Acland ramp-up.
New Hope Group is poised to overcome years of legal challenges to resume its operational ramp-up at the New Acland coal mine in Queensland.
It comes as the company reached an agreement with the Oakey Coal Action Alliance (OCAA) to discontinue its Land Court of Queensland appeal, which contested the Queensland Government’s decision to grant an associated water licence for the New Acland Stage 3 project.
The agreement, facilitated by the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO), requires consent from the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers before formal filing with the Land Court of Queensland.
Once the deal is finalised, the resolution will end years of legal challenges by OCAA against New Acland’s Stage 3 approvals, allowing the project to continue its operational ramp-up without further delays.
Since resuming operations, the New Acland coal mine workforce has grown to almost 300 employees, with plans to extend that to 400 permanent full-time roles once Stage 3 is fully developed.
Vulcan South coal project gets the ‘go-ahead’ from feds.
Brisbane-based coal company Vitrinite has secured federal environmental approval from the Australian government for its Vulcan South project, paving the way for an additional 1.95 million tonnes per year (mt/y) of export metallurgical coal from the Bowen Basin.
The approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act is subject to conditions, including specific measures to protect koalas, greater gliders and squatter pigeons in the area.
Project documents submitted as part of the approvals process show Vitrinite plans to extract premium hard coking coal from three separate open-cut pits at Vulcan South, with an expected mine life of about seven years.
Cubico projects moving through approvals process.
Cubico Sustainable Investments proposed Marmadua Energy Park about 23km east of Tara and Middle Creek Energy Hub about 10km east of Wandoan are advancing through the approvals process.
The Middle Creek project includes a proposed wind farm of up to 183 wind turbines generating up to 1317MW, a battery energy storage system (BESS) of 200MW/hr and a substation.
The Marmadua project includes a proposed wind farm of up to 110 wind turbines generating up to 792MW, a battery energy storage system (BESS) of 200MW/hr and a substation.
Construction of the Marmadua Energy Park is anticipated to commence in 2027 and take about 24 months to complete and create 500 jobs during construction.
Key government declarations for QEM project.
Critical minerals player QEM Limited has welcomed State and Federal government moves that blaze the approvals trail for its Julia Creek vanadium and energy project.
Queensland’s Office of the Coordinator General last month declared coordinated project status for the North-West Queensland development.
QEM announced that the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEW) had deemed the project a controlled action.
The Julia Creek vanadium and energy project involves the development of a greenfield vanadium and oil shale mine along with processing facilities and is predicted to create up to 600 jobs over a two-year construction period and about 588 permanent jobs during its operational phase.
Quinbrook adds huge 750 MW battery to polysilicon plant sent for federal approval.
Australian-based investor Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners has added a giant 750 MW battery facility to its proposed $8 billion polysilicon plant in Townsville that has definitely moved beyond the paper napkin stage, and is now with the federal environment minister for approval.
The Australian infrastructure giant unveiled the project last year, promising to establish the country’s first polysilicon factory in country, and in doing so help deliver a key part of the solar supply chain that the federal government is keen to establish.
Polysilicon is a basic building block for solar panels. Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners partnered with Solquartz, which had already secured land at Townsville’s Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct.
The Queensland Government declared Project Green Poly as a prescribed project in March 2024, highlighting its potential to create 4400 jobs in and around Townsville during its construction.
领英推荐
The above Industry News Briefs were sourced from the following publications: Industry Queensland, Renew Economy, and Australian Mining.
Connecting Industry Podcast.
Have you listened to the Connecting Industry Podcast with Ilaria Giovannetti, Strategic Sales Manager for Renewable Energy at R?hlig Logistics?
With a focus on tailored supply chain solutions, Rohlig Logistics has been at the forefront of the industry for 172 years globally and 51 years in Australia, offering expertise in air freight, sea freight, customs, projects, and contract logistics.
Ilaria brings 18 years of global logistics experience to her role and with her passion for renewable energy beginning eight years ago when she managed her first solar farm project in Australia, she has since overseen logistics for 22 solar projects, delivering over 1 GW of materials across the country. Her expertise lies in ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and with a strong emphasis on safety and stakeholder satisfaction.
To listen to Ilaria's story and others working in the resource and construction sector, CONNECT HERE.
To listen on Spotify, CONNECT HERE.
Also available on Apple Podcasts, Google, Stitcher, Spotify, Overcast, Amazon, Listennotes, Podchaser, and iHeartRadio.
Industry Events.
Connecting Industry Luncheon Series.
We have a great line-up of Connecting Industry Luncheons this year with the first guest presenter - the Stanwell Asset Maintenance Company (SAMCo) on Wednesday, February 19.
SAMCo is a new renewable energy maintenance service subsidiary of Queensland energy generator, Stanwell Corporation Limited. SAMCo provide asset owners, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and engineering procurement construction (EPC) companies with operations and maintenance (O&M) services for all forms of clean energy generation.
From wind and solar farms to grid-scale batteries, hydrogen production plants, synchronous condensers, pumped hydro, clean energy hubs and everything in between, SAMCo will present an overview of their renewable energy and maintenance operations and its challenges and opportunities for Queensland’s resource and construction supply chain.
This event is sold out.
Bowen Basin Mining Club to host first networking lunch for 2025.
The Bowen Basin Mining Club (BBMC) lunches are held in Mackay and are invaluable for industry professionals, offering networking with key decision-makers, insights into regional mining developments, and access to upcoming business opportunities.
The event on February 13, will feature a keynote presentation by Mr Doug O’Brien, General Manager Major Projects, Stanmore Resources.
Stanmore Resources is an Australian mining company specialising in the production and export of high-quality metallurgical coal with operations based in Queensland's Bowen Basin. To learn more, CONNECT HERE.
Resource Industry Network to hold first 2025 Industry Briefing Lunch.
Resource Industry Network’s monthly Industry Briefings are a key piece of the process in keeping industry and key stakeholders informed and focused around current and future plans of businesses and projects being undertaken in the Mackay region.
Held on February 7, their special guest speaker is Clayton McLeod, SSE from Vitrinite. Vitrinite have only recently secured approval from the Queensland government for its Vulcan South project, paving the way for an additional 1.95 million tonnes per year of export metallurgical coal from the Bowen Basin. To learn more, CONNECT HERE.
Gladstone Engineering Alliance 2025 International Women’s Day Luncheon.
Gladstone Engineering Alliance’s International Women’s Day Luncheon is an opportunity to celebrate and support women’s achievements in engineering, industry, and the broader community.
Held on March 7, attendees can hear inspiring stories from keynote speakers, engage in meaningful discussions, and connect with like-minded professionals. It’s a chance to foster new networks, gain insights into advancing diversity in the workplace, and be part of a movement that champions positive change in the region.
To learn more, CONNECT HERE.
Connecting Industry Talent.
Senior Structural Engineer.
Are you looking for a personally and financially rewarding job along with a great ocean-side lifestyle, working for a small yet well-established and reputable engineering firm in Central Queensland?
Our client is a small team of skilled and motivated professionals led by founders, directors and principal Engineers that offer services in Civil & Structural Engineering, Drafting and Project Management for over 10 years.
The Opportunity:
You will be playing a vital part in the smooth running of this team with your role, involving but not limited to:
To learn more about this position and to apply, CONNECT HERE.
With a professional approach built through vast experience, we support business as their end-to-end recruitment partner and take a holistic view that covers all aspects of recruitment—from sourcing and verifying qualified candidates through to successful placement and on-going support. To learn more, CONNECT HERE.
LinkedIn Local Events.
Have you registered for the next LinkedIn Local Rockhampton on February 20? LinkedIn Local events are a business meetup concept with a difference. It allows you to connect and engage with your local business networks in central Queensland and you don't have to be on LinkedIn to attend.
LinkedIn Local events allow people like you to connect with like-minded people in business who want to create meaningful interactions and contacts that will be valuable in the future.
So come along to this free 'no-pitch' event and network over some nibbles and drinks in a great atmosphere and just chat and enjoy and make some new business friends and connections. Nibbles (canapes') supplied. LinkedIn Local events are free to attend, and you do not have to be on LinkedIn. To register for LinkedIn local Rockhampton on February 20, CONNECT HERE.
Connecting Industry Communications.
Connecting Industry Communications is a consultancy specialising in creating tailored, inclusive communication and engagement strategies for clients across Queensland and Australia.
Located in Central and Northern Queensland from Townsville to Mackay, Rockhampton, and Gladstone, this is our home and it's our passion to connect your project to our community.
Connecting Industry brings together a team of highly experienced advisors who have contributed to some of the most significant infrastructure and development projects across Queensland and Australia.
?We offer tailored communication and engagement solutions designed to meet our clients’ needs at every stage of their project journey. From concept development and feasibility studies to planning, design, construction, and commissioning, we ensure effective strategies that deliver measurable outcomes. To learn more and to download a capability statement, CONNECT HERE.
Connecting Industry is passionate about connecting your business to the resource and construction industry via our three tiers of professional services – Events, Talent, and Communications. To find out more about Connecting Industry, including our events, recruitment / talent services, podcasts, and communications / stakeholder engagement initiatives, email us at [email protected] or phone on 0438 146 819.