Queensland’s regions look to net-zero at state decarbonisation forum

A parallel event to the SRI Oceania Satellite, the Queensland Decarbonisation Forum was held on the 29th of June at the Queensland University of Technology Gardens Point Campus. 

The Forum brought together 95 key stakeholders from Queensland’s regional and metropolitan universities, state government, and industry, to explore the barriers and opportunities of the state’s transition to a decarbonised economy.  

Supported by the University of the Sunshine Coast and convened by the Queensland Department of Environment and Science, the day-long forum featured a dynamic series of discussions and presentations on Queensland’s decarbonisation ambitions. 

The distinct challenges and opportunities associated with the decarbonisation of Queensland’s regions were at the heart of the day-long event, which featured contributions from 15 expert speakers and thinkers across three session themes:  

• Regional challenges 

• Barriers to decarbonisation  

• Powering the regions  

At the forefront of the forum was a recognition of the need for place-based policy and engagement of local communities in the state’s energy transition. The Forum’s identified the distinct challenges facing Queensland’s regional workforces, supply chain barriers for ‘New Economy’ resources, as well as a close interrogation of nature-based solutions.  

The outcomes of the forum will be formalised across three policy white papers focused on the event’s three session themes. The policy papers will seek to inform the Queensland Government’s approach to decarbonisation and accelerate the state’s efforts to reach its emissions reduction targets.