Politics standing in way of projects needed to rebuild economy

BUSINESS and industry stakeholders are excited by prospects for developing future industries in Townsville but are frustrated at a lack of coordination by government, a researcher says.

The CEO of The Next Century, Amanda Cahill, is the author of a report, What Queensland Wants, which is based on the responses from people in regional centres including Townsville.

She has consulted with farmers, miners, energy experts, business leaders, tourism operators, unions, social service workers, economic development organisations, councils and the general public.

Ms Cahill said people in Townsville were excited about the prospects for the Imperium3 battery factory, Sun Metals zinc refinery’s hydrogen pilot plant, Copperstring’s Townsville-to-mount Isa high voltage transmission line and the Lansdown precinct.

But they were also frustrated and worried none of it would happen, she said.

“People are frustrated with government,” Ms Cahill said.

“Industry people are blaming government for not having the right investment, planning and regulation in place. (They are saying) the hold-ups are political.

“Industry can only do so much. Unless those big pieces of infrastructure are in place to eco-industrial attract private can’t happen.”

Ms Cahill said the CopperString line was one of those pieces needed.

She said that there was strong support for the proposed lithium-ion battery factory and Sun Metals using renewable energy to produce hydrogen.

Ms Cahill said CopperString could provide the transmission capacity for renewable energy to expand minerals processing. investment, it

“People are accepting that the energy sector is changing. They want to see the right investment and incentives in place for the infrastructure that’s needed so the region can take advantage of the renewable energy that’s there,” Ms Cahill said.

In responses from other regional centres, Ms Cahill said people wanted investment in tertiary education and skills training, land management practices that helped sequester carbon while diversifying farm income and local food markets. Ms Cahill said Queensland was well placed to create new jobs and capitalise on investment opportunities in a low-carbon economy.

“People want governments to lead the way in the changing energy sector, not only to develop the workforce of the future but to make sure that our industries can adapt and take advantage of these changes for long-term economic resilience,” she said.