Energy workers and community members gathered in Biloela in Central Queensland on Monday evening to discuss the future of the community and the energy industry.
Mining and Energy Union (MEU) Queensland Vice President Shane Brunker said Biloela was just one of many communities to be significantly affected as governments set higher renewables targets and plan to close coal-fired power stations.
The Union will also release a discussion paper calling for more investment in alternative technologies including carbon capture and storage to support industry through the energy transition.
The MEU corresponded with the Queensland Government in 2021 putting forward their position on CCUS (Carbon Capture, Usage & Storage), in addition the Workers Charter identifies CCUS must be considered in Queensland`s future energy Blueprint.
“The Queensland Government must invest in modeling the economic benefits for Queensland of investment in CCUS technology to support emissions-reduction targets in industry, alongside modeling of potential uses of CCUS in coal fired generation to bolster energy security for Queenslanders,” Mr Brunker said.
“Along with no mention of CCUS in the Blueprint energy workers also have a range of concerns including future jobs for themselves and their communities and the safe operation of coal-fired power stations as more renewables enter the grid and maintenance declines.
“The communities that support our coal-fired power stations are at the frontline of the energy transition including the Queensland Energy Blueprint.
“[The] community forum is about giving them an opportunity to voice their concerns, ask questions and put forward ideas, it is a non-political event and everyone is welcome.”
