Central Queensland Councils Work Together For a Renewable Future
Posted on August 18th, 2021
More than 60 local government representatives gathered on Thursday 12th and Friday 13th August to discuss how to manage changes to the energy sector across Central Queensland in a two-day forum.
The Clean Economy Opportunities for the CQ Region forum brought together representatives from regions including Whitsunday, Barcaldine and Gladstone, in an open-forum discussion aimed at creating a positive renewable future for Central Queensland.
Hosted in Yeppoon by Livingstone Shire Council, the Local Government Association of Queensland’s Queensland Climate Resilient Councils program and Cities Power Partnership, it was the first time representatives from seven local government areas gathered to explore how to work together and create a prosperous future for the region.
Livingstone Shire Council Mayor Andy Ireland said the forum couldn’t have come at a better time for Central Queensland, as people were wanting to look to the future and seize the opportunities available right now in renewable energy generation.
“Livingstone is already embracing renewable energy, electric vehicles and providing community education, but more can be done,” Mayor Ireland said.
“The event focused on how Central Queensland councils could work together to ensure the region is best placed to enjoy the benefits like new jobs, lower electricity bills and improved resilience of our homes and communities.”
Cities Power Partnership director, Dr Portia Odell said regional leaders across local government were tired of waiting for state and federal governments to lead on this issue.
“The region wants to see improved coordination and funding from both the State and Federal Governments to better manage the energy transition and support communities in the changes happening now,” said Dr Odell.
“This forum was about creating an open discussion between local governments who are well placed to take advantage of developing technology and solutions like green hydrogen, renewable energy zones and clean manufacturing.”
The forum covered topics including: renewable energy zones, clean manufacturing, sustainable agriculture, electric vehicles, skills and education.
Councils in attendance:
Banana Shire Council
Barcaldine Regional Council
Gladstone Regional Council
Isaac Regional Council
Livingstone Shire Council
Rockhampton Regional Council
Whitsunday Regional Council
About the Cities Power Partnership
The Cities Power Partnership is a free national program created by the Climate Council that celebrates and accelerates the pollution reduction and clean energy successes of Australia in towns and cities.
