The world’s scientists believe that climate change is the most important issue our planet is facing.
And even while some doubts exist among sections of the community, there is a growing global consensus that action must be taken.
And Townsville is in a unique position to benefit the most from the transition to clean energy.
Already companies like Sun Metals are transitioning to 80 per cent renewables by 2030. Solar and wind farms are popping up all over the North.
At Kidston, a pumped hydro scheme is being constructed right now and the Copperstring 2.0 project could unleash billions of dollars of energy projects
Not to mention the fledgling hydrogen industry.
Now it is time to take a hard-headed look at why we need to get to net zero by 2050 and what we need to do to get there.
To this end we have assembled an unprecedented grand coalition of business, unions, workers and some of the world’s best minds to examine how we can emerge at the head of the pack.
We have established strong evidence that Australia can move into this new global economy in an even stronger position, with more jobs, more household savings and a stronger economy.
And this is good news for all of us.
Our role is to ensure that Australia does what is necessary to make us a winner, not a loser, in a net zero world.
We call it Mission Zero but we know that for many of you there is everything at stake. Our promise today is that we will walk shoulder to shoulder with you.