A Bowen Basin initiative supporting businesses, communities and governments to prepare for a low-carbon future is among the Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies (CRC TiME) annual awards winners announced in Darwin this week.

Jarrah Steen and the Greater Whitsunday Alliance were recognised with the Community Champion Award for leading the Decarbonisation Accelerated project.

With more than 24 partnerships, 600 participants engaged, and practical initiatives like the ZeroIN events, a METS sector diversification strategy, and VR tools for community education, the project was described as shaping a just transition for the region.

Image at top of page: CRC TiME chief executive officer Dr Guy Boggs with Greater Whitsunday Alliance future projects lead Jarrah Steen (right) – receiving her award from Minerals Council of Australia (Northern Territory) executive director Cathryn Tilmouth.

The Outstanding Research Communication Award went to Dr Anna Kaksonen (CSIRO) and team for Project 3.15 ‘Algae-based technologies for improved environmental outcomes and sustainable post-mining futures’.

Through webinars, conference presentations, media coverage, stakeholder workshops and global outreach, CRC TiME said the team’s research had reached diverse audiences and inspired new interest in algae-based technologies for mine closure.

Dr Benedictor Kemanga (The University of Queensland) received the Distinguished Paper Award for his innovative work on hydrological classification of mine pit lakes.

The ‘A New Way Forward’ Award was presented to Associate Professor Jess Reeves (Federation University) and Dr Tira Foran (CSIRO) for the ‘Collaborative planning for post-mining development in Latrobe Valley’ project.

And Shazia Imam (The University of Queensland) was honoured with the Outstanding Student Award for her fieldwork and deep engagement with stakeholders in the Latrobe Valley.

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