PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Queensland government has launched a new strategy to grow industries powering a net zero future, including critical mineral processing, manufacturing and product development, and green hydrogen.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles launched the Queensland New Industry Development Strategy (QNIDS) on Friday, which is aimed at helping businesses tap into manufacturing opportunities to build the infrastructure and products the world needs, to shift to renewables.

The strategy targets six key areas, namely renewable energy manufacturing and infrastructure, critical minerals processing, manufacturing and product development, battery industry development, green hydrogen, the circular economy, including resource recovery, and the bioeconomy including biofuels and sustainable aviation fuels.

“This marks our commitment to making Queensland the state of opportunity in industries that will be in demand as we shift to a decarbonised global economy,” Miles said.

“There is an immediate opportunity to expand our footprint in global markets of high-value supply chains involved in this transition, and we’re seizing it. We are positioned strongly to leverage our unique strengths, including a wealth of natural resources; world-class ports; skilled workforce; and long-standing trading partnerships.”

Under the strategy, a state-wide Local Economic Opportunities Network will be established, so Queensland communities can identify opportunities on the ground.

The state government will also deploy the A$5.84-billion Queensland Jobs Fund and tap into the catalyst Regional Economic Futures Fund, to deliver initiatives that help regional economic growth, especially in communities impacted by the transition to a low-emissions economy.

“Our Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan sets a strong foundation for a clean energy future that promotes innovation, more jobs, sustainable communities and economic growth. With this New Industry Development Strategy, we are taking the next steps to strengthen Queensland’s capabilities to manufacture the equipment needed to make the shift to decarbonisation and build whole new industries to support that transition,” Miles said.

“Our regions are uniquely set up to support this shift to new, high-value industries and we will work with industry, universities and our Queensland communities to ensure we take advantage of every opportunity.”