QUEENSLAND’S upcoming state budget is set to deliver $45 million to unlock industrial land in Mackay and Gladstone.
The investment into the Regional Industrial Land Improvement Program (RILIP) will be delivered over three years and is set to attract further investment in new and emerging industries including renewable energy, biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel.
“The Palaszczuk Government wants to grow industries critical to the global shift to a net zero economy because they will support jobs in regions like Mackay,” said Steven Miles, deputy premier.
“Our population growth and the industry opportunities Queensland offers has seen demand for serviced industrial land grow. Our Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan means we need space for new precincts, factories, and manufacturing hubs.
RILIP delivers key infrastructure enabling development, including roads, energy, and water infrastructure, and boosts industrial land supply.
“Industries like biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel will be attracted to regional centres like Mackay because of Mackay’s strong existing agricultural strengths,” added Miles.
“We want to take advantage of the opportunities presented by a global focus on decarbonisation. To support these key industries to grow in Queensland and deliver local jobs, we are making more land available.
According to the Queensland government, unlocking more industrial land in Mackay is set to produce significant economic benefits to the region, which has a long history in rural industries such as cane growing and milling.
The Rosella precinct in Mackay and the recently announced State Development Area investigation will generate supply in the long term.
“Mackay is the ideal location for new industries like biomanufacturing and bioenergy,” said Julieanne Gilbert, Mackay MP.
“These industries can make products from our local sustainable plant-based resources including fermented foods and aviation fuel. More industrial land is key to unlocking future opportunities and creating good jobs in exciting new industries while protecting existing jobs in traditional industries like sugar.”
While in Gladstone, the funding will be used to unlock land outside of the Gladstone SDA in Clinton, supporting the establishment of the hydrogen industry and supply chain.
“Gladstone is already at the centre of Queensland’s renewable energy boom with industry growth to continue. Mackay will receive a much-needed boost in industrial land,” said Miles.
“This is all part of creating bigger and better communities and regions right across the state and securing Queensland’s future.”
With the next stage of Red Rover Road, Clinton to see 28 Industrial lots released and expectations of employing more than 1,200 workers.
“Gladstone is already at the centre of Queensland’s renewable energy boom with industry growth to continue,” said Glenn Butcher, member for Gladstone.
“Hydrogen is a priority emerging industry that aligns to Queensland’s strengths, responds to the opportunities presented by a global focus on decarbonisation, and has strong potential for growth.
“We are proactively unlocking the potential of this strategic location to support this industry to grow and create good secure jobs in regional Queensland.”
