Generating opportunities out of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan will be on the agenda in Weipa today, as members gather for a fourth and final Far North Queensland Regional Community Forum for 2022.
The latest Far North Queensland Regional Community Forum will include presentations on the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan and support for small business.
Forum members will also tour Weipa to hear about the history of the town and learn more about the ecology and environment of the area.
Tourism, Innovation and Sport Minister and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement Stirling Hinchliffe will attend today's Forum in Weipa.
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui will chair the Forum.
Alongside the creation of the region's Action Plan, Ms Lui said Regional Community Forum members had provided key input and introductions, to highlight the region's natural assets and unite the community.
"This year, Forum members supported the development of a new Far North Queensland Regional Plan, which will provide strategic direction for jobs and growth in the region," Ms Lui said.
"They've also connected with the Indigenous tourism cluster group to help create partnerships between Traditional Owners and tourism businesses, supporting the development of cultural tourism products.
"I thank Forum members for their advocacy, insights and connections throughout a busy 2022."
Mr Hinchliffe said while the Forums had identified tourism and agriculture sectors as key industries in the Far North, they would also explore the renewable energy opportunities across the region.
"We've already seen $550 million invested in renewables in the Far North since 2015 and that investment is expected to reach $6.6 billion by 2040," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"Projects like the 157-megawatt Kaban Green Power Hub – expected to be operational next year – will help transform the local economy, and support sustainable, long-term employment."
The Far North Queensland Regional Community Forum is one of seven to be held in regional centres across Queensland tomorrow, with other Forums set for Western Queensland, Central Queensland, Wide Bay Burnett Fraser Coast, North North West Queensland, Darling Downs South West, and the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region.
The Regional Community Forums are part of the Queensland Government's Advancing Queensland's Regions strategy, supported by the Office for Rural and Regional Queensland.
