The industrial heartland of central Queensland is in the throes of a renewable energy boom, but the mining union fears the booming sector is not providing enough jobs and leaving regional communities behind.

There are 26 new wind and solar farm proposals in the region, including places like Blackwater and Clermont, while four coal-fired power plants remain in Stanwell, Gladstone and Biloela.

CFMEU Mining and Energy Division Chairman Steve Smyth called on the Queensland government to establish an independent workers’ body to support communities throughout the transition.

“In the renewable energy sector, jobs are created through construction, but there are certainly no long-term jobs… and I think people have to be truthful and factual about that fact.”

But Queensland is in a unique position, according to the Next Economy charity, which advocates and supports regional communities in the transition to zero emissions.

“What we need to ask is not to replace coal jobs with renewable energy jobs, but what are the jobs that can be created and new industries that can be created because we have renewable energy. cheaper and created locally? Said CEO Amanda Cahill.

Dr Cahill said there would be huge demand for new products like green hydrogen, green metals, mineral processing and parts for renewable farms, such as wind turbines.

She said these parts should be made in Australia.

Behind the scenes of solar

Emerald Solar Farm technician Trevor McTaggart made the switch to renewables after a decade of mining and construction work.

“After being in mining, I think from a health standpoint it’s a much healthier lifestyle,†Mr. McTaggart said.

The Emerald Solar Farm generates twice the amount of electricity required by Emerald homes each year, the equivalent of powering 30,000 homes.

During construction, the farm created 150 jobs, while there were four open positions.

Last year, Emerald Solar Farm produced 170 gigawatt hours and avoided approximately 150,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

“This means that electricity prices are now a little cheaper during the day than they were a few years ago.”

Jobs for the future

Steve Smyth of CFMEU said the coal industry accounts for around 38,000 jobs in Queensland directly, but that does not account for jobs through rail networks, ports and other service providers.

“We will eventually have coal plants that will come to the end of their current lifespan and there will be nothing left for the workers or their community or their families,” he said.

“We need an authority in place, we need the money invested and we need the participation of stakeholders to ensure that no worker is left behind, especially in the regional parts. from Queensland. “

Mr Smyth said more education and training was needed to upgrade the skills of regional workers for future jobs in fields such as steelmaking.

Dr Cahill agreed that governments must act now to ensure a smooth transition to renewable energy.

Queensland Energy, Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Minister Mick de Brenni said the government is committed to working with the workforce on future energy plans.

The state budget also included $ 2 billion for a renewable energy and hydrogen jobs fund.

“Diversifying our public energy portfolio means that companies like CS Energy and Stanwell can generate future jobs in advanced energy and manufacturing, as electrolysers, solar panels, wind farm components and batteries can and must be made here in Queensland, â€said Mr de Brenni.

Charcoal closures

The operator of the Australian energy market expects the Gladstone power plant to close in 2035, while Stanwell will shut down its units from 2043, with all units shut down by 2046.

Callide Power Station B is expected to close in 2028, while Callide C, which was destroyed in an explosion in May, currently has no stated closure date.

There are currently only four operational renewable farms in central Queensland.