The Queensland government has announced a $45 million investment to establish the first Queensland Supergrid Training Centre and Transmission Hub in Gladstone.
The new facility, which will be the first of two training centres, will be purpose-built to serve as a regional base for training energy system workers.
The project is expected to develop an even higher skilled workforce that would better meet increased demand and boost the delivery of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said the Supergrid is a significant factor towards creating 100,000 new jobs in energy generation, green hydrogen, critical minerals mining, and battery manufacturing.
He added that the hubs will play a central role in the nation’s future as Central Queensland’s energy mix changes and grows to meet changing global demand.
Dedicated training centres will allow for more than 500 energy workers each year to be upskilled in a range of areas, including high-voltage technical training, de Brenni estimated.
Minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water and Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said the new centre is expected to boost Gladstone’s local training capacity, with more than 90 jobs expected to be based at the facility over the next 10 years.
The hub is expected to train workers from a wide array of fields, including community relations, engineering, project management, support services, and health.
“A key focus will be opportunities for apprentices to ensure we can nurture our pipeline of skilled local people as we deliver on our commitments under the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan,” Butcher said.
Powerlink Chief Executive Paul Simshauser said the new training centre and transmission hub would drive significant benefits for Queenslanders.
Through the facility, Powerlink will be enabled to establish a local presence in Gladstone, delivering a base for its crew to support the energy system transformation and enable engagement with local communities.
“Powerlink is moving into this interim site while it finalises the acquisition of a suitable permanent site in Gladstone, with construction expected to commence in 2024,” Simshauser said.
“The hub will also see improved emergency response times, logistics management and utilisation of regional ports to reduce road haulage,” he said.
