On August 12-13, the Cities Power Partnership, Livingstone Shire Council and the Local Government Association of Queensland’s Queensland Climate Resilient Councils program delivered the Clean Economic Opportunities for the Central Queensland Region forum in Yeppoon, Queensland.
The event saw representatives from seven local governments (Livingstone, Whitsunday, Gladstone, Banana, Barcaldine, Rockhampton and Isaac) in Central Queensland come together to discuss their role in building climate resilience and delivering on the region’s enormous clean economic opportunities.
Attendees heard from economic experts including Climate Councillor Greg Bourne and Dr Emma Whittlesea from the Next Economy. Local farmers and business leaders presented on the local challenges and opportunities as they see them. Attendees also heard inspiring case studies from local governments who are delivering leading climate and clean energy initiatives, including the Whitsunday Climate Innovation Hub, Barcaldine Regional Council’s Renewable Energy Zone collaboration and Gladstone regional Council’s clean economy initiatives.
The event secured great regional media coverage, including on Channel 7, WIN, CQ Today and ABC.
Outcomes
Since the event, participating councils have followed up and formed a Central Queensland working group which they hope becomes a regional alliance that informs future opportunities.
The Cities Power Partnership would like to thank Livingstone Shire Council for hosting this event, with particular thanks to Matthew Baldock, Misty Tucker, Laurie Rainbird, Mayor Andy Ireland and Cr Andrea Friend.