LEADERS AND LEGENDS: THOUSANDS OF CLEAN JOBS FOR QUEENSLANDERS - CLIMATECOUNCIL.ORG.AU - APO
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LEADERS AND LEGENDS: THOUSANDS OF CLEAN JOBS FOR QUEENSLANDERS CLIMATECOUNCIL.ORG.AU
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Published by the Climate Council of Australia Limited.
ISBN: 978-1-922404-09-1 (print)
978-1-922404-08-4 (digital)
Ella Weisbrot
© Climate Council of Australia Ltd 2020. Researcher
This work is copyright the Climate Council of Australia Ltd. All material
contained in this work is copyright the Climate Council of Australia Ltd except
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Climate Council of Australia Ltd copyright material is licensed under the
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License. To view a copy of this
license visit http://creativecommons.org.au. Louis Brailsford
Campaigner
You are free to copy, communicate and adapt the Climate Council of Australia
Ltd copyright material so long as you attribute the Climate Council of Australia
Ltd and the authors in the following manner: Leaders and legends: Thousands
of clean jobs for Queenslanders.
Authors: Ella Weisbrot, Louis Brailsford, Andrew Stock and Greg Bourne.
We would like to thank Dave Copeman for reviewing and providing feedback Andrew Stock
on drafts of the report. We also appreciate the assistance of Lachlan Pickering Climate Councillor
and Anna Kalliomaki in the preparation of this report.
—
Cover image: ‘Silhouette of engineer shakes hands in the construction area’ Greg Bourne
by HongtaeStocker via Shutterstock.
Climate Councillor
This report is printed on 100% recycled paper.
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CLIMATE COUNCIL i
Contents
Key Findings..................................................................................................................................................................................... ii
1. Introduction...............................................................................................................................................................................1
2. Renewable Energy Zones...................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Benefits of renewable energy zones 6
2.2 Renewable energy zones in Australia and overseas 7
3. Renewable Energy Zones in Queensland......................................................................................................................... 8
4. Jobs for Queenslanders in Renewable Energy Zones...................................................................................................15
5. CopperString 2.0.................................................................................................................................................................... 18
5.1 Economic opportunities unlocked by CopperString 2.0 21
6. Queensland, the Clean Industrial Superpower............................................................................................................ 22
6.1 More renewable energy means more jobs for Queenslanders 23
6.2 New economy mining and minerals processing 25
6.3 Renewable hydrogen 28
6.4 Clean manufacturing 29
6.4.1 Battery manufacturing 29
6.4.2 Clean metals 30
7. Conclusion: Seize the Opportunity................................................................................................................................. 34
References....................................................................................................................................................................................... 35
Image credits.................................................................................................................................................................................. 37
ii LEADERS AND LEGENDS:
THOUSANDS OF CLEAN JOBS FOR QUEENSLANDERS
Key Findings
1 2
As Queensland rebuilds its economy from Queensland has the potential to be a clean
the COVID-19 crisis, it should seize the industrial superpower. Generations of
opportunity to create jobs in renewable Queenslanders could work in clean industries
energy and the industries it will power. such as clean manufacturing, mining,
minerals processing and hydrogen made from
› Queensland can harness renewable energy renewables.
for long-term job creation and economic
growth because it has excellent solar and › Increasing renewable energy generation brings
wind resources, as well as a skilled industrial down power prices, creating a global competitive
workforce. advantage for Queensland in energy-intensive
industries.
› Queensland can accelerate the development
of renewable energy zones (REZs) across the › Townsville could become a hub for lithium-ion
state, creating a long-term pipeline of jobs battery manufacturing and metals processing, and
in construction and ongoing operations and central Queensland could become a clean steel
maintenance jobs. powerhouse, creating 15,000 local jobs by 2050.
› The proposed REZs in the Darling Downs and › Townsville, Gladstone and Mackay have the skilled
Far North Queensland alone could create up to workforce and established industrial infrastructure
2,000 jobs in each region by 2025. that makes them ideal cities to develop clean
industries.
› In the immediate term, the Climate Council’s
Clean Jobs Plan has found 15,000-20,000 jobs › Electricity prices in South East Queensland are
could be created in Queensland across 12 policy projected to fall by 20% from 2019 to 2022, due
opportunities, including renewable energy. in part to the recent boom in renewable energy
projects.
KEY FINDINGS iii
3 4
CopperString 2.0 is a proposed transmission Renewable energy not only creates jobs, it
project connecting North West Queensland addresses long term challenges like climate
to the National Electricity Market (NEM), change.
unlocking exceptional wind and solar
resources and new opportunities in mining › Climate change is already taking a devastating
and minerals processing. toll on Queensland. This year saw another mass
bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef, the third
› CopperString 2.0 is expected to reduce in five years. Queenslanders have also suffered
electricity prices across the region by 40% by from both devastating drought and flooding.
connecting North West Queensland to the NEM
and enabling more renewable energy projects. › The 2019/20 fire season was so severe it saw areas
of Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest burn.
› The North West Minerals Province can become Damage to the forest from climate change has
a superpower in new economy mining, been declared to be as bad as coral bleaching on
providing minerals required for solar panels, the Reef.
wind turbines and batteries. The value of the
new economy minerals deposits in the region › Harnessing renewable energy is essential
exceeds $500 billion. if Australia is to reduce its greenhouse gas
emissions and address the escalating dangers
› Construction of CopperString 2.0 is expected to of climate change.
begin in 2021, creating 750 direct jobs over three
years. Industrial opportunities unlocked by the
project are expected to create an additional 3,560
full-time jobs from Mt Isa to Townsville while
generating more than $6 billion in royalties for
the Queensland Government to 2050.
› Expanding domestic mining and processing of
critical minerals also increases Australia’s self-
reliance by protecting our supply chains from
potential disruption.
climatecouncil.org.au
1 LEADERS AND LEGENDS:
THOUSANDS OF CLEAN JOBS FOR QUEENSLANDERS
1. Introduction
As we rebuild our economy from the The Climate Council’s Clean Jobs Plan
COVID-19 crisis, Queensland has found that 15,000-20,000 new jobs could
enormous opportunities to create be created across Queensland within the
jobs in renewable energy and the next three years by investing in twelve
clean industries it could power. The clean policy opportunities (Climate Council
state could become a global leader 2020). Installing additional large-scale
in the clean industries of the future, renewable energy, transmission,1 and
with generations of Queenslanders battery storage could be a job creator in
working in industries such as clean regional Queensland, supporting up to
manufacturing, mining, minerals 2,200 new jobs in the near term. The Clean
processing, and hydrogen made Jobs Plan profiles immediate job creation
from renewables. opportunities that kickstart the economy
while setting us up for the future. This latest
state-specific report focuses on the long-
term job opportunities for Queenslanders
from expanding renewable energy and the
clean industries it would enable.
Figure 1: Queensland could become a global leader in renewable energy and clean industries.
1. Transmission refers to the poles and wires that transport electricity over long distances.
INTRODUCTION 2
Generations of Queenslanders could work
in clean industries such as manufacturing,
mining, and hydrogen made from renewables.
Queensland has a competitive advantage in Renewable energy not only creates jobs and
renewable energy. The state has excellent supports new industries, it also addresses
sun and wind resources, abundant space, long-term challenges like climate change.
and the skilled workforce needed to use Australia is one the most vulnerable developed
renewable energy for job creation and countries in the world to the impacts of
economic growth. Development of these climate change, and Queensland is the most
resources can be accelerated through vulnerable state in Australia (Climate Council
renewable energy zones (REZs) – regions 2019a). Climate change is already taking a
with high potential renewable energy devastating toll on Queensland.
resources, where development of renewable
energy and storage can be coordinated with The Great Barrier Reef this year suffered its
transmission to ensure secure, efficient and third major bleaching event in five years.
cheap electricity. Climate change is the greatest threat to the
Great Barrier Reef. The Reef supports a huge
By increasing renewable energy variety of marine life and an estimated 69,000
generation and critical infrastructure such Australian jobs (Deloitte Access Economics
as transmission, Queensland will also 2013), and provides $7 billion to the Australian
have a global competitive advantage in economy every year (Jacobs 2016).
energy-intensive industries such as new
economy mining, manufacturing and Although there is a lot of rainfall variability
renewable hydrogen, because renewable across different parts of Queensland, some
energy brings down power prices. More important trends have been discerned over
competitive industries mean more jobs for recent decades. Rainfall has been very low
Queenslanders, especially in Central and over parts of southern Australia during the
North Queensland. Cheaper power will also cool season (April-October) over the past 20
help protect existing jobs in energy intensive years. This has affected parts of Southern
industries, such as aluminium production. and Central Queensland, including areas that
New clean industries are most likely to derive more than 40% of their annual rainfall
develop and succeed in regions with an during the April-October period, such as the
existing industrial base, skilled workforce, Darling Downs South West region and South
and established infrastructure such as ports, East Queensland. By contrast, in Far North
transport, and energy. Queensland has Queensland, rainfall has been above average
several such regional cities well positioned over the past 20-year period (CSIRO and
for success, including Townsville, Gladstone, BoM 2018). As ocean temperatures increase,
and Mackay. so too does the destructive power of tropical
cyclones, with expected increases in both the
maximum wind speed and amount of rainfall
(Climate Council 2019a).
3 LEADERS AND LEGENDS:
THOUSANDS OF CLEAN JOBS FOR QUEENSLANDERS
Almost half of Queensland’s population is Heritage rainforest burn (The Guardian
exposed to high or extreme risk of flooding 2019). The Wet Tropics Management
(Deloitte 2017). Climate change is increasing Authority has previously declared that
the intensity of extreme downpours, leading climate change damage to the forest is as bad
to greater risk of floods. Meanwhile, annual as coral bleaching on the reef (Wet Tropics
temperatures in Queensland have been Management Authority 2019).
rising strongly since around the 1980s, with
nine out of the ten hottest years on record In addition to the toll on Queenslanders’
occurring since 2002. There has also been health and critical natural assets, climate
a very marked increase in extreme heat in change is a major threat to the state
Queensland over recent decades (BoM 2019). economy. Agriculture and tourism – two
pillars of Queensland’s economy – are
Tropical and sub-tropical Queensland highly sensitive to climate change and
are often associated with warm, humid extreme weather (EY 2019). Queenslanders
conditions and moist vegetation not suffered 60% of the economic cost of
conducive to major bushfires. This is extreme weather disasters in Australia in
changing. More frequent heatwaves typified the decade from 2007 to 2016 (Deloitte 2017),
by hot, dry air masses coming from the despite having only around one fifth of the
interior drive higher temperatures and lower population. Harnessing renewable energy is
humidity. This increases evaporation and essential for Australia to reduce greenhouse
rapidly dries out fuels, even in rainforests, gas emissions and address accelerating
making conditions more conducive to major climate change. It also presents tremendous
bushfires (Climate Council 2018). economic opportunities for Queensland.
Climate change is becoming the greatest This report shows that Queensland can
long-term threat to Queensland’s Wet Tropics build a resilient, thriving economy by
World Heritage Area. Although the region using renewable energy for job creation.
represents only 0.12% of the total Australian Thousands of Queenslanders could work in
landmass, it comprises the world’s oldest clean industries including manufacturing,
living rainforests and the largest area of mining, minerals processing, and renewable
rainforest in Australia. It also supports the hydrogen. By embracing its renewable
highest level of biodiversity of any region energy potential, Queensland could be a
in Australia (Wet Tropics Management clean industry superpower for generations
Authority 2019). The 2019/20 fire season to come.
was so severe it saw areas of this World
Townsville, Gladstone and Mackay
have the workforce and infrastructure
necessary to be leaders in the clean
industries of the future.
SECTION 02 4
RENEWABLE ENERGY ZONES
2. Renewable
Energy Zones
A renewable energy zone (REZ) is a A REZ is a planning and development tool
region with high potential renewable that allows governments to prioritise the
energy resources, such as wind, construction and upgrading of essential
solar, and pumped hydro, where infrastructure to ensure the supply of
the development of new renewable electricity is secure, stable, efficient and
energy and storage projects can lowest-cost (AEMO 2020). Across the
be coordinated with demand and National Electricity Market (NEM), 2 35
investment in transmission. potential REZs have been identified by the
Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)
in its Integrated System Plan (ISP), a roadmap
for the efficient development of the NEM
over the next 20 years (AEMO 2020).
Queensland is rapidly transitioning to an
electricity grid powered by renewable energy
and storage, in line with the state’s renewable
energy target of 50% by 2030 (Queensland
Government 2020g). To ensure that this
transition is as smooth as possible, it is
important that new wind, solar and storage
projects are built in areas where there are
high quality renewable energy resources,
close proximity to transmission, and strong
connections to large users of electricity such
as cities and major industries. REZs are a
key tool for ensuring that renewable energy
is integrated into the grid efficiently and at
lowest cost.
2 The National Electricity Market (NEM) is a series of interconnected grids connecting the eastern states of Australia
(Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania) as well as South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.
Figure 2: Queensland is rapidly transitioning to an electricity grid powered by renewable energy and storage. REZs ensure that development is coordinated, efficient and least-cost. Renewable energy zones are regions with excellent wind and solar resources where development of renewables can be coordinated with transmission and demand.
SECTION 02 6
RENEWABLE ENERGY ZONES
2.1 Benefits of renewable
energy zones
In recent years, there has been a surge in storage projects. This planned approach
new wind and solar farms being built and also allows potential grid security problems,
connected to the grid across Australia. The such as issues of system strength,3 to be
lack of coordination when rolling out new identified and resolved before projects are
renewable projects has led to problems built (ARENA 2020b).
such as overloaded transmission lines,
system security issues and constraints In Queensland, the electricity network is
on renewable energy generation (ARENA currently configured to transport electricity
2020a; RenewEconomy 2020a). While these from coal power stations to households
issues have been manageable with current and businesses, primarily in South East
levels of development, should this continue Queensland. Many wind and solar farms
without sufficient planning for the future, are not located in the same location as
the problems will multiply. coal power stations and many of the best
areas for industry expansion are in Central
REZs help to address these problems and and Northern Queensland. This requires
are key to planning the transition to a a reconfiguration of the power grid in
modern, efficient and reliable electricity Queensland to get electricity where it
system. REZs enable the coordinated, least needs to go – that is, new and coordinated
cost development of new infrastructure, investment in and development of the
such as transmission, to ensure efficient transmission network. REZs provide this
connection of renewable energy and coordinated approach.
Renewable energy zones enable
coordinated, efficient and least cost
development of renewable energy,
storage and transmission.
3 System strength is a commonly used term that refers to a loose collection of issues related to ensuring the secure operation
of a power system, including the ability of the power system to maintain and control voltage. This is important because it
means that if there is a disruption to the grid, such as a coal-fired power station tripping or power lines coming down, the
voltage can recover quickly, minimising impacts for electricity consumers.7 LEADERS AND LEGENDS:
THOUSANDS OF CLEAN JOBS FOR QUEENSLANDERS
2.2 Renewable energy zones
in Australia and overseas
REZs have proven successful internationally was followed by the announcement of
and have been gaining traction around $500 million for a new Renewable Energy
Australia. Internationally, the US state of Fund to support Queensland’s state-
Texas completed its Competitive Renewable owned energy corporations to accelerate
Energy Zones (CREZ) project in 2013, the development of renewable projects
building a transmission network to connect (Queensland Government 2020e).
the excellent wind resources in the state
to the major population and industry Earlier this year, the New South Wales
centres (Powering Texas 2018). The CREZ Government also announced support for
project was successful in ensuring efficient the development of REZs in that state (NSW
construction of transmission, unlocking Government 2020). In New South Wales,
more than 19,000MW of wind generation, the expression of interest process for the
and contributing to reduced power prices Central-West Orana REZ – the first REZ to
(ERCOT 2017). be announced – attracted huge interest
from renewable energy developers. The
The Queensland Government recently government targeted 3,000MW of new
announced it would invest $145 million to renewable energy and storage projects
establish three REZ corridors to create jobs and received proposals for 27,000MW,
and ensure continued investment in large- representing $38 billion of potential private
scale renewable energy projects across the investment (NSW Government 2020).
state (Queensland Government 2020d). This
Figure 3: Renewable energy zones have proven successful in the US state of Texas and are gaining traction around Australia.SECTION 03 8
RENEWABLE ENERGY ZONES IN QUEENSLAND
3. Renewable Energy
Zones in Queensland
Of the 35 potential REZs identified A further four possible zones could
across the NEM (see Section 2), eight be developed in Townsville, Western
are in Queensland. Four have been Queensland, Wide Bay-Burnett and
identified by AEMO as particularly Barcaldine in the longer term, or with
important for development over the increased demand from major industry or
next decade. These are located in the commitment of new infrastructure (such as
regions surrounding Cairns, Mackay, CopperString 2.0, see Section 5).
Rockhampton and Gladstone, and
the Darling Downs. These REZs are Developing REZs will involve not only new
profiled in boxes 1 to 4 below. renewable energy and storage projects,
but also new and upgraded electricity
network infrastructure to handle these new
wind, solar, battery and pumped hydro
projects. As noted in Section 2, the main
purpose of REZs is to plan for the needs of
the future grid. This includes planning for
new and upgraded transmission links and
other infrastructure, such as inverters or
synchronous condensers.4
Queensland has eight potential
renewable energy zones.
4 A synchronous condenser is essentially a large spinning machine connected to the grid, similar in function to a free spinning
motor. Synchronous condensers are one solution to ensuring a stable supply of electricity through the network. While there
are other means to achieve this in grids with a high share of renewables, synchronous condensers are one important solution.
Other options, such as inverters, are able to play a similar role.9 LEADERS AND LEGENDS:
THOUSANDS OF CLEAN JOBS FOR QUEENSLANDERS
Often, there are opportunities to build As noted in Section 2.2, the Queensland
significant new renewable energy Government has announced it will
generation before these infrastructure invest $145 million to establish three REZ
upgrades are required. Queensland’s corridors in southern, central and northern
REZs vary considerably in this regard. The Queensland, overlapping with the eight
southernmost zones (see Figure 5 below REZs identified by AEMO (Queensland
for map), such as the Darling Downs, with Government 2020d). In September 2020,
strong links to the rest of the NEM, have the state government announced it was
more existing capacity. Once the required opening an expression of interest process
upgrades occur in the northern zones, the for renewable energy and storage projects
opportunities are enormous. across these areas (Queensland Government
2020c). This process will help guide the
initial planning of REZs, including their size,
location and timing for development.
Figure 4: REZs will help drive down power bills and spur job creation throughout Queensland.SECTION 03 10
RENEWABLE ENERGY ZONES IN QUEENSLAND
Figure 5: Renewable energy zones in Queensland. Source: AEMO (2020).
2020 RENEWABLE ENERGY ZONE CANDIDATES
Candidate Renewable Energy Zone (REZ)5
Indicative wind farm
Indicative solar farm
Q1 Indicative pumped hydro
Indicative battery storage
Cairns
Q2
Forsayth
Q3
Townsville
Proserpine
Mackay
Q4
Q5
Longreach
Rockhampton
Gladstone
Q6
Bundaberg
Q7
Q1 Far North QLD
Q8
Q2 North Qld Clean Energy Hub
Brisbane
Q3 Northern Qld
Q4 Isaac
Q5 Barcaldine
Q6 Fitzroy
Q7 Wide Bay
Q8 Darling Downs
5 Note: Boundaries are approximate.11 LEADERS AND LEGENDS:
THOUSANDS OF CLEAN JOBS FOR QUEENSLANDERS
BOX 1: DARLING DOWNS (TOOWOOMBA) RENEWABLE ENERGY ZONE (REZ)
The Darling Downs REZ has good solar and
wind resources, with already 840MW of wind
Chinchilla and solar projects existing or committed to
Nanango
construction.
Dalby
Toowoomba Brisbane
The existing transmission lines can support
3,000MW of new renewable energy projects
Warwick
beyond those that are already committed.
An expansion of the interconnector from
Queensland to New South Wales would
increase capacity for renewable energy projects
in this REZ even further.
Proposed Darling Downs REZ
A large expansion of renewable energy in the
area will require four synchronous condensers
Location: or other technologies to maintain system
This REZ encompasses the Darling strength by 2030. This region is perfectly
Downs west of Brisbane, including placed to export electricity south to New South
Warwick, Toowoomba, Dalby, Nanango Wales and east to Brisbane.
and Chinchilla.
New renewable energy capacity by 2030:
2,800MW of renewable energy
(equivalent to more than the power
generated by Queensland’s Stanwell
coal-fired power station) and 250MW of
energy storage (AEMO 2020).
Key benefits:
› This region is perfectly placed to
export electricity south to New South
Wales and east to Brisbane.SECTION 03 12
RENEWABLE ENERGY ZONES IN QUEENSLAND
BOX 2: FITZROY (ROCKHAMPTON & GLADSTONE) RENEWABLE ENERGY ZONE (REZ)
The Fitzroy REZ has good solar and wind
resources, although there are currently no
existing or committed renewable energy projects
Rockhampton
in this region.
Gladstone
Callide
Biloela The existing transmission lines in Central
Queensland can support 2,000-2,500MW of new
renewable energy projects but this capacity is
shared with the Isaac REZ to the north. The build
out of this renewable energy zone and others in
central Queensland will require transmission
upgrades to take advantage of the excellent
Proposed Fitzroy (Rockhampton renewable energy opportunities in the area.
& Gladstone) REZ
System strength is relatively good in the area,
with one synchronous condenser or similar to be
Location: installed by 2030 to maintain system strength.
This REZ is centred on the cities of This region is located close to existing heavy
Rockhampton and Gladstone, running industry in Central Queensland centred around
inland to Biloela and Callide. Rockhampton and Gladstone, including the
aluminium and cement production industries.
New renewable energy capacity by 2030: Building out this renewable energy zone could
900MW of renewable energy (roughly facilitate an expansion of manufacturing in the
equivalent to three-quarters of the area by supplying clean and affordable power.
power generated by Queensland’s
Callide B coal-fired power station) and
400MW of energy storage (AEMO 2020).
Key benefits:
› Close to existing industry in
Central Queensland.
› Creates new opportunities for
manufacturing in the region.13 LEADERS AND LEGENDS:
THOUSANDS OF CLEAN JOBS FOR QUEENSLANDERS
BOX 3: ISAAC (MACKAY) RENEWABLE ENERGY ZONE (REZ)
The Isaac REZ has good solar and wind
Abbot Point Bowen resources, with a large number of solar farms
Collinsville already operating in the region.
Mackay
The existing transmission lines in Central
Moranbah Queensland have spare capacity of 2,000-
2,500MW for new renewable energy projects
Marlborough but this capacity is shared with the Fitzroy
REZ to the south. The Isaac REZ will require
upgrades to transmission to enable an
expansion of renewable energy.
Proposed Isaac (Mackay) REZ System strength in the area is good and, as
with the Fitzroy REZ, this region is located
close to existing industry in Central and North
Location: Queensland, in this case centred around
This REZ includes a large part of Central Mackay. There is a great opportunity to expand
and North Queensland, running along manufacturing in the region by building out
the coast north from Marlborough up this REZ.
to Bowen and Abbot Point via Mackay.
The REZ also runs inland through
Collinsville and Moranbah.
New renewable energy capacity by 2030:
1,350MW of renewable energy
development (roughly equivalent to
the power generated by Queensland’s
Callide B coal-fired power station) and
800MW of energy storage (AEMO 2020).
Key benefits:
› Close to existing industry in
Central and North Queensland.
› Creates new opportunities for
manufacturing in the region.SECTION 03 14
RENEWABLE ENERGY ZONES IN QUEENSLAND
BOX 4: FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND (CAIRNS) RENEWABLE ENERGY ZONE (REZ)
The Far North Queensland REZ has excellent
wind resources and good solar resources. The
region has four existing renewable energy
Cooktown
projects, including wind, solar and hydro.
Port Douglas
Cairns The existing transmission line can support an
additional 700MW of new renewable energy. A
Innisfail
range of transmission upgrades are proposed by
Tully
2030 but these are partly contingent on further
upgrades in Central and North Queensland to
enable the transfer of electricity south.
Proposed Far North Queensland Two synchronous condensers or equivalent
(Cairns) REZ will be required by 2030 to maintain system
strength. Far North Queensland has some of
Australia’s best wind resources, which tend to be
Location: available at different times to the wind resources
This REZ hugs the coast of Far North in other states, providing a complementary
Queensland, beginning in Tully and source of electricity (AEMO 2020).
Innisfail in the south, running north
through Cairns and Port Douglas up to
Cooktown.
New renewable energy capacity by 2030:
950MW of renewable energy (roughly
equivalent to the power generated by
Queensland’s Callide B coal-fired power
station) (AEMO 2020).
Key benefits:
› Some of Australia’s best wind
resources, which tend to be available
at different times to the wind
resources in other states, providing a
complementary source of electricity.15 LEADERS AND LEGENDS:
THOUSANDS OF CLEAN JOBS FOR QUEENSLANDERS
4. Jobs for Queenslanders
in Renewable Energy
Zones
Thousands of jobs can be created The Climate Council’s Clean Jobs Plan
throughout regional Queensland in found that an estimated 15,000 – 20,000
a range of different industries in the direct jobs could be created across the state
construction and ongoing operations within the next three years by investing
and maintenance of REZs. in twelve clean economic recovery policy
opportunities (Climate Council 2020).
Installing additional large-scale renewable
energy, transmission and battery storage
could be a significant job creator in regional
Queensland, supporting 1,800 – 2,200 new
direct jobs in the near term, while rebooting
the economy and tackling long term
challenges like climate change at the same
time (Climate Council 2020).
Recent jobs modelling by other
organisations has also found job creation
opportunities in renewable energy. The
Clean Energy Council has found that the
renewable energy industry already supports
at least 6,000 direct and indirect jobs in
Queensland (Clean Energy Council 2020).
This could double to more than 11,000
jobs within a few years with strong policy
The Clean Jobs Plan support. Without policy support the sector
could lose almost 3,000 existing jobs (Clean
found that 15,000 – Energy Council 2020).
20,000 new jobs could
be created across
Queensland within
the next three years.Figure 6: The renewable energy industry could support more than 11,000 jobs in Queensland by 2025 with strong policy support.
The proposed REZs in the Darling Downs
and Far North Queensland could create up
to 2,000 jobs in each region by 2025.
While the development of REZs would
establish a long-term pipeline of These jobs in new renewable energy projects
construction jobs, half of these jobs would include direct jobs across a wide range
could be in ongoing operations and of occupations, including:
maintenance roles by 2035, creating long-
term, skilled jobs for Queenslanders. Up to
75% of these jobs would be located outside
of Brisbane. The proposed REZs in the
Darling Downs and Far North Queensland Electricians Electrical trade
assistants
alone could create up to 2,000 jobs in each
region by 2025 (Clean Energy Council
2020). Further jobs would be created in the
installation and upgrading of transmission
necessary to support these REZs. Drivers Roofers
Once established, the low-cost renewable
electricity generation from the REZs will
become a key competitive advantage for
energy-intensive Queensland industries Office managers and Construction and
administrative staff project managers
enabling sustainable long-term job
creation – Section 6 looks at these
opportunities in more detail.
Site managers Mechanical trades
and supervisors and technicians
Source: Clean Energy Council (2020).17 LEADERS AND LEGENDS:
THOUSANDS OF CLEAN JOBS FOR QUEENSLANDERS
Increasing renewable energy generation will
lower energy bills, which can help create new
manufacturing jobs throughout Queensland.
Manufacturing hubs have already been set
up in both Gladstone and Rockhampton,
providing centres for training and advice on
advanced manufacturing (Manufacturers’
Monthly 2020). Expanding renewable energy
in the nearby REZs would help to ensure
affordable power is supplied to the region,
enabling a further expansion of existing
manufacturing, as covered in more detail in
Section 6.
Figure 7: Renewable energy projects create jobs across a wide
range of different occupations including electricians, drivers,
construction and mechanical trades.
Renewable energy zones
would help unlock further
manufacturing opportunities
throughout Queensland.SECTION 05 18
COPPERSTRING 2.0
5. CopperString 2.0
The CopperString 2.0 project offers CopperString 2.06 is a proposal to build a
another opportunity to use renewable transmission link from Mt Isa to Townsville.
energy to create jobs and support North West Queensland is not connected to
industries such as mining and the National Electricity Market (NEM) and
minerals processing in Queensland. the region, including industry in the North
West Minerals Province (see Box 5 below),
currently relies on two expensive gas-fired
power stations near Mt Isa. Electricity prices
in the region tend to be more than double
the price paid for electricity in Townsville,
creating a major disadvantage for local
industry (AFR 2019).
CopperString 2.0 would connect the
North West Minerals Province to the NEM,
significantly lowering electricity prices
(Queensland Government 2020a). The
proposed high voltage AC transmission
line would stretch for roughly 1,000 km (see
Figure 8 below for the map) (CopperString
CopperString 2.0 is 2.0 2019). CopperString 2.0 would also unlock
new renewable energy generation. This
expected to reduce region has some of the best solar and wind
resources in Australia, and CopperString 2.0
electricity prices could provide the transmission necessary
to develop these resources and connect
in North West them to the NEM (Queensland Government
2020a). On average, this is expected to
reduce electricity prices in the region by 40%
Queensland by 40%. (CopperString 2.0 2020).7
6 The project is referred to as CopperString 2.0 because this is the second time the project has been proposed, after the
previous plan was not supported by the previous state government.
7 This report from CopperString 2.0 is a summary of studies from ACIL Allen Consulting, IZMIN Pty Ltd, Neuchatel Partners,
Soren Consulting, and analysis from KPMG.19 LEADERS AND LEGENDS:
THOUSANDS OF CLEAN JOBS FOR QUEENSLANDERS
The development of CopperString 2.0 Government in August 2019 to help the
has received support from both the State proponents of CopperString 2.0 develop their
and Federal Governments. In May 2020, business case (Queensland Government
the Queensland Government announced 2020a). The Federal Government also
$14.8 million to support the development provided $4.7 million in 2019 to help with
of CopperString 2.0 as part of the state’s early works (AFR 2019).
COVID-19 economic recovery plan. While
the funding is conditional on project
milestones and subject to approvals, the
aim is for construction to begin in the first
half of 2021. This funding is additional to
$1.18 million provided by the Queensland
Figure 8: Map of Proposed Copperstring 2.0 transmission line. Source: CopperString 2.0 (2019).
Ross
Substation
Townsville
Charter Towers
Cloncurry Richmond
Pentland
Julia Creek
Mount Isa Hughenden
Woodstock
Substation
Strathmore II
Dajarra Road Substation
Mount Isa Substation
Hughenden
Substation Substation
Phosphate Hill Cannington
Substation Substation Highway
Proposed Transmission Line Route
Existing Substation
Proposed SubstationSECTION 05 20
COPPERSTRING 2.0
BOX 5: THE NORTH WEST MINERALS PROVINCE
The North West Minerals Province, centred information on the industrial opportunities
around Mt Isa and Cloncurry, extends from from new economy minerals.) New economy
the Northern Territory border up to the Gulf of minerals found in the North West Minerals
Carpentaria and is home to some of the world’s Province include copper, cobalt, gold, graphite,
richest mineral deposits. Minerals and metals zinc, molybdenum, rhenium, and rare earth
found in the area include copper, lead, zinc, and elements including dysprosium and holmium
silver, as well as phosphate deposits and rare (CopperString 2.0 2020).
earth elements (Queensland Government 2017).
The Province is already one of the world’s largest
The value of the known resources in the mining regions and mining and minerals
North West Minerals Province is estimated at processing is a major employer in North West
more than $680 billion, with ‘new economy Queensland. The region has faced challenges in
minerals’ accounting for more than $500 billion recent years with some operations closing and
(CopperString 2.0 2020). ‘New economy minerals’ activity impacted by lower commodity prices
refer to metals and mineral elements required (Queensland Government 2017). As discussed
for advanced and emerging technologies such below and in Section 6, the CopperString 2.0
as electric vehicles, consumer electronics, solar project and new renewable energy generation
panels, and wind turbines. These are expected could increase the competitiveness of these local
to experience strong and growing global industries and unlock Queensland’s potential as a
demand over the coming decades (Queensland global leader in new economy minerals.
Government 2020b). (See Section 6 for more
Figure 9: Mt Isa is at the heart of the North West Minerals Province. CopperString 2.0 could support and unlock new
jobs and industries for communities from Mt Isa to Townsville.21 LEADERS AND LEGENDS:
THOUSANDS OF CLEAN JOBS FOR QUEENSLANDERS
5.1 Economic opportunities
unlocked by CopperString 2.0
Construction of the CopperString 2.0 unlocked by CopperString 2.0 are expected
transmission line is expected to create 750 to create an additional 3,560 full-time jobs
new full-time jobs over three years, and sustained over thirty years in the North West
the project will support 30 ongoing jobs in Minerals Province (CopperString 2.0 2020).
operations and maintenance (CopperString Initial modelling from ACIL Allen and Soren
2.0 2019). Consulting also suggests that the project could
add more than $139 billion to Queensland’s
The more significant job creation Gross State Product over the period to
opportunity, however, comes from the 2050 and generate more than $6 billion in
industries that CopperString 2.0 could additional royalty revenue for the Queensland
support and unlock for communities Government (CopperString 2.0 2020).
from Mt Isa to Townsville. Access to
cheaper electricity will increase the global As discussed in the next section, importantly,
competitiveness of local industries such as these opportunities go beyond mining.
mining and minerals processing, industrial Regional centres such as Townsville have
manufacturing and agriculture, and create the potential to become ‘value add hubs’ for
new export opportunities for the Port of the resources mined locally, supporting
Townsville (CopperString 2.0 2020). industries such as minerals processing
and battery manufacturing (Queensland
More competitive industries mean more Government 2020a).
jobs for Queensland. According to ACIL
Allen Consulting, industrial opportunities
CopperString 2.0 could unlock an
additional 3,560 full time jobs in the
North West Minerals Province.SECTION 06 22
QUEENSLAND, THE CLEAN INDUSTRIAL SUPERPOWER
6. Queensland, the Clean
Industrial Superpower
Installation of significant large-scale These new clean industries are some of the
renewable energy, enabled through most promising opportunities for leading
REZs, will bring down power prices the economic recovery in Queensland.
and set Queensland up to be a leader They also emerged as some of the most
in clean industries of the future, such popular opportunities discussed in a
as manufacturing, mining, minerals recent series of industry and community
processing, and renewable hydrogen. consultations in Cairns, Townsville,
Generations of Queenslanders will Toowoomba, South Burnett, Gladstone,
gain long-term, skilled jobs in high and Rockhampton (The Next Economy
demand global industries if the state 2020). In addition to enjoying broad public
seizes the opportunities presented by support and creating good, long-term jobs
renewable energy. in regional Queensland, industries such as
renewable energy and clean manufacturing
help to boost and diversify local economies
and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
improving resilience of local communities
(The Next Economy 2020).
Generations of Queenslanders could
work in global industries of the
future, such as clean manufacturing,
mining and renewable hydrogen.23 LEADERS AND LEGENDS:
THOUSANDS OF CLEAN JOBS FOR QUEENSLANDERS
6.1 More renewable energy means
more jobs for Queenslanders
Australia has a competitive advantage in
renewable energy: we are the sunniest and
Townsville,
one of the windiest countries in the world
and have the abundant space and technical
Gladstone and
expertise available to make use of these Mackay are well
resources (Garnaut 2019). Queensland
– and Central and North Queensland in positioned to lead
particular – has everything it needs to lead
in harnessing renewable energy for job the development
creation and economic growth. The state is
endowed with excellent renewable resources
of new clean
and a skilled workforce. In addition, new
clean industries are most likely to develop
industries.
in regions with an existing industrial
base and established infrastructure such
as ports, transport, energy, and training
infrastructure. Queensland has several
such regional cities, including Townsville,
Gladstone, and Mackay (Garnaut 2019).
Figure 10: Queensland has a competitive advantage in renewable energy and can lead in harnessing renewable energy for
job creation and economic growth.SECTION 06 24
QUEENSLAND, THE CLEAN INDUSTRIAL SUPERPOWER
Increasing renewable energy brings The combination of a competitive advantage
down power prices. Wind and solar are in renewable energy resources and the fact
now the cheapest forms of new energy that renewable energy is now the lowest cost
generation in Australia, even when backed form of electricity means that Queensland
by storage technologies such as batteries could create a long-term competitive
and pumped hydro (CSIRO 2018). The advantage in energy-intensive industries.
transition to renewable energy is already Coupling that low-cost electricity with
lowering electricity prices in Australia, with top quality mineral resources will create
retail prices projected to fall by more than sustainable long-term jobs in globally
7% from 2019 to 2022, due in part to an competitive processing and value-adding
increase in renewable energy generation. industries. All industries in Queensland,
South East Queensland is projected to enjoy including traditional industries such as
the largest fall (20%) in prices, due in part agriculture, stand to benefit from lower power
to the recent boom in renewable energy prices. This enables enormous potential for
projects in the state (AEMC 2019). job creation, bolstering existing industries
and enabling the creation of new ones. The
following sections outline opportunities
for Queensland in industries such as clean
manufacturing, mining and minerals
processing, and renewable hydrogen.
Renewable energy brings
down power prices, creating
a competitive advantage in
energy-intensive industries.25 LEADERS AND LEGENDS:
THOUSANDS OF CLEAN JOBS FOR QUEENSLANDERS
6.2 New economy mining
and minerals processing
Developing REZs and key transmission Province (see Section 5) is growing and set
infrastructure such as CopperString 2.0 to boom in the future. Demand is projected
would unlock significant new job creation to increase – in most cases dramatically
in mining and minerals processing, – for metals including aluminium, cobalt,
especially in North and North West copper, lead, lithium, nickel, manganese,
Queensland (see Section 5). Mining is steel, titanium, zinc, cadmium, molybdenum
already a major employer in the region and rare earth elements (World Bank 2017).
and Queensland has untapped deposits of For example, production of an electric car
many critical and new economy minerals uses roughly five times more of these new
(see Figure 11 below). Energy is the largest economy minerals than a conventional
cost for the minerals processing industry, petrol car (IEA 2020). Many of these metals
so access to low cost energy would increase are found in Queensland (Geoscience
global competitiveness (Centre for Future Australia 2019). Several are currently
Work 2020), enabling expansion of these refined and processed in Queensland,
industries in Queensland. such as aluminium and zinc, and there
are opportunities to develop new mining,
International demand for new economy processing and value-adding industries
minerals, such as those found in powered by renewable energy.
Queensland’s North West Minerals
Queensland can use its natural resources –
both minerals and renewable energy – to
become a superpower in the fast-growing
new economy minerals industry.SECTION 06 26
QUEENSLAND, THE CLEAN INDUSTRIAL SUPERPOWER
Figure 11: Mineral deposits in Queensland. Source: Commonwealth of Australia (2019a).
MAJOR CRITICAL MINERAL OPERATING AND DEVELOPING MINES IN QUEENSLAND
Commodity type
Antimony
Cobalt (PGE)
Graphite
Hafnium
Heavy mineral sands
Lithium
Indium
Manganese
Molybdenum
Platinum-group elements
Rare earth elements
Scandium
Tungsten
Vanadium
Critical commodity
Operating mine
Mineral deposit
Townsville
Mount Isa
Mackay
Gladstone
Goondicum
North
Stradbroke
Island
BRISBANE27 LEADERS AND LEGENDS:
THOUSANDS OF CLEAN JOBS FOR QUEENSLANDERS
In addition to export opportunities, there ore exports beginning in 2020, similarly
are also strategic advantages to developing demonstrating the vulnerability of these
domestic mining and processing of new global critical minerals markets to disruption
economy minerals. This increases self- (IEA 2020).
reliance by helping to protect Australia’s
minerals supply from potential market Queensland has a huge opportunity to use
disruption, such as political instability its natural resources – both minerals and
overseas, regulatory changes or trade renewable energy – to become a critical
restrictions. For example, China is currently player in the fast-growing new economy
dominant in many of these markets, minerals industry. If Queensland can supply
including rare earth elements, where it is the raw materials for the technologies
responsible for over 80% of global production that will reduce global emissions, such as
(Commonwealth of Australia 2019a). In batteries, solar panels and wind turbines,
2010, China attempted to limit its export and power the mining and processing of
of rare earths, creating significant market these materials with renewable energy,
disruption. In 2018, the Democratic Republic Queensland could truly establish itself as a
of the Congo nearly tripled the royalty rate zero-emissions industry powerhouse.
on its cobalt, and Indonesia banned nickel
BOX 6: ENSURING A SUSTAINABLE MINING INDUSTRY
While a booming new economy minerals Environmental damage can also be mitigated by
industry presents many opportunities for North designing more efficient mining and processing
West Queensland, a concerted effort will be methods, and rigorous environmental impact
needed to reduce any environmental, health and assessments, protections, and continual
social risks that may be associated with these monitoring. This includes smarter design
projects. For example, health outcomes will and less wasteful manufacturing processes,
need to be prioritised in Mt Isa and surrounding extending product-life, and more reuse,
regions to ensure that communities are not recycling, and repairing (Energy Transition
exposed to the effects of lead or other heavy Hub 2019). Powering all mining and minerals
metals (Climate Council 2019a). processing operations with renewable energy
will also help to reduce the environmental
To manage the health risks of lead mining and impacts of these industries.
smelting in Mount Isa, it is important to fund
universal blood lead level testing, follow up and Maximising social goods from new mining
intervention for anyone with unsafe blood lead industries, and minimising the chance of any
levels. Specific outreach programs are needed for negative impacts, means ensuring that the
Indigenous communities, as Indigenous children benefits flow first and foremost to Traditional
have been found to have higher blood lead levels Owners and others in the local community.
than non-Indigenous children. Remediation Companies must adhere to the best practices in
of existing contaminated areas should also be responsible mining, in particular the principle
prioritised (Climate Council 2019a). of free, prior and informed consent, and always
ensuring protection of Indigenous heritage.SECTION 06 28
QUEENSLAND, THE CLEAN INDUSTRIAL SUPERPOWER
6.3 Renewable hydrogen
Renewable hydrogen – that is, hydrogen for renewable hydrogen production. Due to
produced from renewable energy – is likely Townsville’s existing port infrastructure, the
to play a key role in the clean economy of region would be particularly appropriate for
the future, offering a solution for reducing the development of a renewable hydrogen
emissions in industries such as steel-making export industry (CopperString 2.0 2020). If
and long-range and heavy haulage transport. 15,000MW of new renewable energy was
Renewable hydrogen, sometimes called installed and dedicated to the production of
green hydrogen, is set to become a major hydrogen in this region, it could bring an
global market, expected to grow twelve-fold estimated export value of $4.4 billion through
from 2020 to 2025 (Wood Mackenzie 2019). the Port of Townsville (CopperString 2.0 2020).
This is due in part to strong hydrogen targets
from countries in our region such as Japan Gladstone is already a major industrial hub,
and South Korea. With a rapid expansion and its proximity to the Fitzroy REZ means
of renewable energy, Queensland has the it has the potential to be a key centre for the
potential to develop a strong renewable renewable hydrogen industry (Queensland
hydrogen industry (Commonwealth of Government 2019). There are already several
Australia 2019b). major hydrogen projects in the planning
stages in Gladstone, such as the Austrom
States and territories around Australia, and Hydrogen project targeting the export
countries around the world, are currently market and the Hydrogen Utility project
developing plans to build their renewable aiming to produce hydrogen and ammonia
hydrogen industries (Climate Council 2019b). (IEEFA 2020). Also in the region, the Central
Last year, the Queensland Government Queensland Power project is a plan to develop
released the Queensland Hydrogen Industry 2,000MW of new wind, solar and storage
Strategy 2019-2024, outlining the state’s and supporting transmission infrastructure
vision to be a leader in renewable hydrogen over the next ten years, aiming to contribute
production by 2030, and established the $15 to new clean industries such as renewable
million Hydrogen Industry Development Fund hydrogen (Energy Estate 2020).
(Climate Council 2019b). The state already has
a range of renewable hydrogen pilot projects In addition to creating local jobs in
(Queensland Government 2020f). production, renewable hydrogen creates
a range of industrial opportunities for
The potential corridor of renewable energy Queensland. Renewable hydrogen
projects enabled by the Copperstring 2.0 could become a new export commodity.
transmission line could create opportunities Alternatively (or, more likely, in addition),
renewable hydrogen could become an input
to domestic manufacturing and industrial
processes. This would support new value-
adding industries, developing clean (zero
emissions) manufactured goods locally,
Queensland has the potential which could become a high-value export
to develop a strong renewable industry. Queensland’s opportunities for
clean manufacturing are discussed in the
hydrogen industry. following section.29 LEADERS AND LEGENDS:
THOUSANDS OF CLEAN JOBS FOR QUEENSLANDERS
6.4 Clean manufacturing
Manufacturing is one highly energy- 6.4.1 BATTERY MANUFACTURING
intensive sector that could grow significantly
in Queensland from increased renewable Queensland could become a leader in
energy generation. Almost all advanced advanced manufacturing that will be at
manufacturing processes can use renewable the centre of the global clean economy for
energy as an input, and energy is the largest decades to come. One such opportunity is
cost for many types of manufacturing manufacturing lithium-ion batteries, which
(Centre for Future Work 2020). Transitioning are used in a range of applications including
to renewable energy could save the existing electric vehicles, energy storage, and
Australian manufacturing sector 23% on consumer electronics. This is a fast-growing
their power bills, increasing to 33% by 2050 global market, projected to grow to more
as the cost of renewable energy production than US$100 billion by 2025 from US$30
continues to fall (Centre for Future Work billion in 2017 (Centre for Future Work 2020).
2020). The faster Queensland moves on
installing large-scale renewable energy, Australia is the world’s largest producer of
the greater the potential savings for the lithium, with much of this coming from
manufacturing sector. Western Australia (Commonwealth of
Australia 2019a). Queensland is a major
There is strong support across regional producer of some of the other nine elements
communities, such as Cairns, Townsville required to produce a lithium-ion battery,
and Gladstone, to build Queensland’s including copper, nickel, cobalt, phosphate,
manufacturing industry to create jobs as well and aluminium (Commonwealth of Australia
as to increase self-sufficiency and diversify 2018). Townsville has been identified as a
export industries (The Next Economy promising location for lithium-ion battery
2020). This section looks particularly at the manufacturing, due to its proximity to
opportunities in battery manufacturing and the North West Minerals Province and its
clean metals. established industrial base and expertise
(Commonwealth of Australia 2018).
Queensland could grow its
advanced manufacturing sector
with low cost renewable energy.SECTION 06 30
QUEENSLAND, THE CLEAN INDUSTRIAL SUPERPOWER
There are already plans for a lithium-ion 6.4.2 CLEAN METALS
battery cell gigafactory in Townsville,
proposed by the Imperium3 consortium The combination of abundant renewable
(PV Magazine 2020). The Queensland energy resources and a local mining and
Government provided $3.1 million for a minerals processing industry means Central
feasibility study in 2018 and approved and North Queensland could develop a
the study in August 2020, allowing the thriving clean metals industry. Demand
project to proceed with financing. The for products manufactured with renewable
project aims to begin construction in 2022 energy is already growing and this will
and operations by the beginning of 2024 only accelerate as governments around the
(AuManufacturing 2020). As discussed in world seek to reduce their greenhouse gas
Section 5, CopperString 2.0 could further emissions in line with their Paris Agreement
increase the competitiveness of Townsville commitments of limiting global temperature
as a hub for battery manufacturing by rise to well below 2°C. Businesses are also
decreasing electricity prices and allowing looking for opportunities to contribute and
the expansion of the new economy to manage their risks, and shareholders
minerals industry across the region. are increasingly demanding climate action
(Energy Transition Hub 2019; EY 2019). This
There are also proposals to develop nickel is particularly the case for clean metals,
and cobalt refineries in Townsville for because metal production is responsible
use in lithium-ion batteries. Pure Battery for roughly 9% of all global greenhouse gas
Technologies is looking to develop a emissions, with steel alone responsible for 7%
$100 million battery metals refinery to of emissions (Energy Transition Hub 2019).
commercialise technology developed by
the University of Queensland. It estimates For example, the European Commission is
the facility would create about 100 jobs considering introducing a Carbon Border
in Townsville (Townsville Bulletin 2020). Adjustment Mechanism, as part of the
Queensland Pacific Metals has plans to European Union’s efforts to achieve net zero
develop the Townsville Energy Chemicals emissions by 2050 (European Commission
Hub (TECH), focused on value-adding 2020). This would effectively impose a tax
battery metals processing, including on imported goods such as steel to reflect
nickel, cobalt and high purity alumina the ‘embodied’ emissions within that
(Pure Minerals Limited 2020). Both product (BCG 2020), providing an immediate
companies have identified Townsville competitive advantage to goods produced
as an ideal location due to its skilled using renewable energy. This creates both
workforce and established infrastructure, opportunities for those who move quickly to
especially its port. expand renewable energy and develop clean
manufacturing, and risks for those who do not.
Queenslanders are already expressing
Townsville could become a hub
for battery manufacturing.You can also read
