TIME FOR ALL POLIES TO WORK TOGETHER
THE Townsville region has so much to offer the nation as it works towards net zero in 2050. The city has been led by the council in this department over a number of years now.
Mayor Jenny Hill and her team have been ahead of the curve when it comes to promoting projects that will provide jobs into the future.
While we can’t ignore the importance of coal to the region’s economy, and the need for the commodity in emerging economies overseas, we must start to look at the future of energy supply.
Even companies like the much maligned Adani, now Bravus, are working to reduce emissions.
Adani has interests in some of the largest solar farms in the world. In fact, the company has its own solar panel manufacturing plant.
But back in Townsville it has been council leading the way constantly looking at ways to diversify and attract green industry to Townsville.
From hydrogen, to battery plants and even special industrial land to house these groundbreaking new projects. As a region that receives more than 300 days of sunshine every year, we are in the best position in the country to take advantage of new energies such as solar and hydrogen.
Yesterday, the state government unveiled land for a new solar farm, which is good, but more needs to be done.
I hear people say North Queensland can’t have everything when it comes to government investment but why not?
The federal government snubbed all the hard work done by this city to prepare for hydrogen by not including us as one of the nation’s hydrogen’s hubs.
They backed Gladstone, so did the state government.
Townsville is the best placed city to provide green hydrogen to the world and everyone needs to get on-board and let the region lead the way.
No more finger pointing and blame games.
Our federal and state leaders need to join with council and stand up for our city before anything else. Not say “we are not ready” or “a plant in Gladstone is good news for the state.”
If we don’t get our house in order and demand our share we will be left behind once again.