On Tuesday 25 March 2025, NQCC's Coordinator had the rare opportunity to attend Townsville Enterprise's fourth annual Green Energy Forum. With tickets aimed at industry representatives, not-for-profits like NQCC are generally priced out of such events, but a kind donor enabled our attendance. Below are our key takeaways from the day.

What was it?

Townsville Enterprise promoted their 2025 Secure the Future: Green Energy Forum as “a dynamic and engaging event bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and sustainability advocates from across the nation to discuss the future of green energy in North Queensland and beyond.”

Who was there?

160 industry leaders from near and far, as well as representatives from Townsville City Council and Queensland’s Shadow Energy Minister, Lance McCallum. Several local state MPs and Councillors were invited but sent their apologies.

What topics were covered?

Main themes included industry opportunities, barriers, best practice and local project updates.

What were the key takeaways?

Australia's green energy industry is taking off. Decarbonisation initiated the energy transition, but it is now driven by capital markets, economics and industrial demands. Renewables are now cheaper than coal and gas, and economic growth is decoupling from carbon dioxide production for the first time since the industrial revolution. Momentum is growing, and the renewable transition "is happening".

The main barriers have been political. Inconsistent federal and state policy signals and regulatory frameworks have slowed the transition in recent years. There was a strong shared desire for certainty, consistency and bipartisan support for the industry. Transmission is also a challenge in the transition, and Copperstring will be vital for North Queensland. Hydrogen will also be crucial for reaching net zero, but decarbonising the National Energy Market and bringing power prices down will help to make it viable.

There is room for improvement by the industry for community and First Nations engagement. Best practice guides are available, and some in the industry are aiming to raise the bar. Presentations from Windlab's First Nations Manager and KPMG's ESG Manager provided industry-specific insights and advice, but both highlighted flaws with current industry practices, where corners are cut to save time, energy or resources.

Townsville and North Queensland are perfectly placed to produce green energy. This was the fourth consecutive annual TEL Green Energy Forum, and local projects that were in the pipeline are now breaking ground. It was difficult to ignore the sense of excitement and pride in the room.

These survey results from The Energy Charter were shared by KPMG's ESG Manager. https://www.theenergycharter.com.au/qld-renewable-energy-code/ 

Did climate change get a mention?

Climate change wasn't in focus for any of the presenters, but was raised in the opening address by TEL CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith, who connected our region's recent extreme weather with climate change and reminded everyone that "decarbonising is one of the most important things of our generation". It was also mentioned in the vote of thanks by TEL Chair Kevin Gill: "climate change is real, and it’s something you can feel in each of you – the need to make a difference."

It was great to hear such statements coming from Townsville Enterprise, if not a little surprising, given their historic and ongoing support for coal giant Adani/Bravus. A cynical take would say they are following the money and hoping no one notices the hypocrisy. A more optimistic view would take this as a positive sign of changing times and appreciate that they're lifting up the issue within the industry community.

What about coal, gas or nuclear?

Nope.

Did anyone talk about environmental concerns?

Not really. A few presenters alluded to the importance of properly siting projects, and land use conflicts were listed as a barrier to the industry, but this area was light on detail.

Takeaways for NQCC...

Some of what we've been saying for years is supported by industry leaders: renewable energy really does make sense for North Queensland and politicians need to stop using it as a political football so that we can start decarbonising our energy grid at pace.

Widespread community concerns relating to lack of engagement, land use conflict and potential environmental impacts are presented as fringe issues. For better or worse, misinformation campaigns, pro-nuclear sentiment and community opposition don't seem to have any impact at all. Developers will continue to follow their processes, tick their boxes and meet their regulatory requirements, unphased by community sentiment either way. It is politicians who will feel the heat from their constituents, so it is up to them to ensure best practice is followed.

The renewable energy transition might be happening, but we can't trust best practice to be followed. NQCC's work in political advocacy and community campaigning continues to be invaluable for ensuring the best possible outcomes for nature, regional communities and First Nations justice. We appreciate your ongoing support!

Crystal Falknau
NQCC Coordinator

Title photo sourced from Townsville Enterprise Ltd via Facebook