- Official opening of Powerlink interim Queensland SuperGrid Training Centre and Transmission Hub in Gladstone.
- The interim facility will be home base for locally based staff while planning continues to build a permanent purpose-built facility in Gladstone which will ultimately upskill 500 energy workers each year.
- The facility will supercharge delivery of the energy transformation as outlined in the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
Powerlink has officially opened its interim regional base for training energy workers, improving skills for a growing workforce and supporting the changing energy focus in the Gladstone area.
Powerlink’s first interim Queensland SuperGrid Training Centre and Transmission Hub has opened its doors in Gladstone while Powerlink finalises the acquisition of a permanent site, with construction expected to commence for the long-term facility in 2024.
The hub has been set up in the Central Queensland Renewable Energy Zone (QREZ) and is well-positioned to assist with delivering a number of regional future transmission projects and support the changing energy landscape in the region.
The interim hub strengthens Powerlink’s regional presence in the short term and will allow for energy workers each year to be upskilled in a range of areas in the longer term, including high voltage technical training.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, Mick de Brenni:
“Our first Queensland SuperGrid Training Centre and Transmission Hub in Central Queensland is now open, driving decent, secure jobs in regional Queensland’s energy transition.
“Building the SuperGrid is key to unlocking 100,000 new jobs in energy generation, green hydrogen, critical minerals mining and battery manufacturing, so everything we see happening in this busy region is essentially driving the clean energy industrial revolution.
“It’s facilities like these which bring the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan to life, setting a clear path to deliver the clean, reliable and affordable energy of the future while delivering on our renewable energy targets.”
Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Energy, Lance McCallum:
“I’m proud to officially open the new Queensland SuperGrid Training Centre and Transmission Hub, noting the important role this facility will play in underpinning the energy transformation in Central Queensland.
“I’m also delighted to introduce the first two new Powerlink recruits based at this hub, Gladstone Hub Facilitator David Mallia and Senior Health, Safety and Environment Representative Samantha Austin.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water and Member for Gladstone, Glenn Butcher:
“We are delighted to have Queensland’s first hub located in Gladstone, which will provide a significant boost for local employment and training opportunities – with more than 90 jobs expected to be based at the facility over the next 10 years.
“This investment demonstrates the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to providing tangible and practical job opportunities for our local people – including apprentices – as we gear up to expand the skills and resources available to deliver the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
“This is an exciting time for Central Queensland as we cultivate new employment pathways for our local people at this state-of-the-art facility.”
Quotes attributable to Gladstone Regional Council Mayor, Cr Matt Burnett:
“We welcome the opening of the new hub as it brings more industry to Gladstone’s doorstep and provides our community with a variety of new employment and training opportunities in an evolving sector.
“The hub is a clear sign that the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan will deliver a strong and stable future for Central Queensland.”
Quotes attributable to Powerlink Chief Operating Officer, Gary Edwards:
“The hub gives Powerlink a formal local presence in Gladstone and provides a base for our people to support the energy system transformation and enable us to work closely with local communities.
“A range of roles will be located at the hub including community relations, cultural heritage relations, project management, field staff, health, safety and environment officers, training officers, engineers, support service staff and tradespersons.
“We will have opportunities for apprentices in the region to join our pipeline of skilled people as we future-proof our longer term resourcing requirements to deliver our commitments under the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
“The hub will also play an instrumental role in boosting visibility and understanding of Powerlink’s activities in the region.”
Fast facts and further information:
- Establishing an interim Queensland SuperGrid Training Centre and Transmission Hub in Gladstone.
- The hub provides a regional base for Powerlink teams and industry partners working on energy projects in the region.
- Over 90 jobs are expected to be based at the training hub over the next 10 years.
- 500 energy workers each year will be upskilled in a range of areas, including high voltage technical training.
