August 1, 2024
The State Government has announced funding for four projects to help the South Burnett region “seize opportunities presented by decarbonisation”.
The funding – part of $20.03 million allocated to 18 State Government and Council-led projects in the Darling Downs, South West and South Burnett – was announced on Thursday alongside a new regional transformation strategy.
The four projects are:
- $3.8 million for Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council to support the expansion of the Materials Recovery Facility in Cherbourg to allow further processing of plastic beyond its current sorting capability
- $2.3 million for the State Government to establish specialist Renewable Energy Training Hubs in Kingaroy and Toowoomba with the specialist equipment needed to deliver specific training and education in support of the growing renewable energy industry
- $750,000 for the State Government to develop renewable energy training resources, deliver a renewable energy training program pilot and engage with stakeholders in Kingaroy and Goondiwindi
- $750,000 for the South Burnett Regional Council to develop a business case to develop Industrial Circular Economy Precincts in the South Burnett, focused on new industry developments and circular economy practices
The government says the Darling Downs, South West and South Burnett Regional Transformation Strategy has been designed to identify key economic strengths and industry priorities.
“Regional Queensland has an important role to play in the future industries that will underpin a low-emissions global economy,” State Development Minister Grace Grace said.
“We’ve worked closely with local governments, industry and the wider community to co-design and develop a Regional Transformation Strategy for Darling Downs, South West and South Burnett, which is one of four priority regions (in Queensland).
“It outlines how the region can harness its world-class agriculture industry, abundant land and natural assets, growing manufacturing base, and emerging health and research capability to create jobs and drive investment in industries that will thrive in a decarbonised world.”
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The Strategy outlines some key statistics for the DDSWSB region:
- The population of 319,535 (2022) is projected to grow to 354,217 by 2046
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander residents make up 7 per cent of the population
- Health care / social assistance is the region’s biggest employer
- 53 per cent of the population have completed Year 11 or 12
- Manufacturing is the largest industry by gross output at $7.9 billion
- The region produces one-quarter of Queensland’s agricultural output
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- Download: Darling Downs, South West and South Burnett Regional Transformation Strategy (2Mb PDF)
- External link: Renewable Energy Impact On Queensland
