HUB SNUB NOT GOOD FOR REGION’S FUTURE

Something has gone seriously wrong for Townsville to be left off the federal government’s hydrogen hub list. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Energy Minister Angus Taylor announced a $1.2bn hydrogen investment and rollout of seven hydrogen hubs.

The hub locations identified are Bell Bay, Darwin, Eyre Peninsula, Gladstone, Latrobe Valley, Hunter Valley and Pilbara.

Despite years of hard work put in by the community to promote the hydrogen industry in Townsville the city missed the boat.

The decision left many in the community scratching their heads.

Energy strategist with community group Solar Citizens Stephanie Gray was amazed at the decision.

“When you’ve got Edify, Sun Metals and Origin Energy all planning to invest in renewable hydrogen projects, it would be a real shame if Townsville missed out on this federal funding,” Ms Gray said.

“Townsville has all the key ingredients to be a clean energy industrial powerhouse: some of Australia’s

… the cit y missed the boat.

best solar resources, a skilled local workforce and world-class port facilities.”

Mayor Jenny Hill went further, calling out Herbert MP Phillip Thompson.

“What has the federal member been doing?” Cr Hill said.

“We’ve briefed him on all of this in the past through TEL and the North Queensland Taskforce.

“He should have been knocking on Angus Taylor’s door and demanding Townsville be included,” Cr Hill said. She’s right.

Mr Thompson says it’s not too late and is working on a consortium of industry representatives with Townsville Enterprise to fix the issue and report back to Canberra.

Let’s hope this situation can be rectified and quickly because the region needs new opportunities now and into the future to grow and prosper.