Funding boost to spur fresh regional industries

A study into constructing a hydrochloric acid plant in North-West Queensland and work on post-mining land use are among the latest projects to win backing under the Regional Economic Futures Fund. The State Government is backing 21 projects identified as priorities by regional communities across North West Queensland; Darling Downs, South West and South Burnett; Central Queensland; and the Greater Whitsunday region. This includes: $3.5 million for four projects in North West Queensland; $27.2 million for 10 projects in the Darling Downs, South West and South Burnett region; $15.8 million for four projects in Central Queensland; and $2.85 million for three projects in the Greater Whitsunday region. "These regions have a strong, vibrant future and the Miles Government is committed to supporting their transformation into world-class, low-carbon economies," State Development and Infrastructure Minister Grace Grace said. Related: Kickstart for region’s economic diversification "We’re determined to harness the benefits of new and emerging industries in our regions for the benefit of the entire State. "We are investing in our regions to create sustainable jobs and stronger, more diverse economies based on locally identified strengths and priorities." Newly approved projects under the $200 million Regional Economic Futures Fund (REFF): Project nameProponentDescriptionREFF fundingNorth West QueenslandLHP 2: Develop Business Case Solutions to Post-mining Land Use EnviroMETS Develop assessment tools to help determine the best economic, environmental and social options for closed and end of life mines. The model will consider mine types, geography and current use and will identify innovative solutions to potential challenges.$255,000North West Minerals Province Audit of Mines Industrial assetsMITEZUndertake an audit of mines in care and maintenance, near to end of life and abandoned to identify existing assets that can be used to support new industries and/or for common use. $200,000Gulf Savannah Development Farm Stay manual reviewGulf of Savannah DevelopmentUpdate the Gulf Savannah Development Farm Stay Manual and promote activities to increase agritourism outback experiences via regional workshops and forums.$50,000Production of Battery Grade Ferrous ChlorideESI Asia Pacific Holdings Pty Ltd Conduct of a Concept Study that will look at the potential of constructing a commercial Chlor-Alkali chemical plant (CACP) that would produce hydrochloric acid and other reagents used for refining, processing, and the manufacture of critical minerals; and2. Upgrade of the Battery Grade Ferrous Chloride (BGFC) plant in Townsville (the BGFC Plant) including the production and laboratory facilities to create the most advanced facility in Northern Queensland to support chemical production required for long duration energy storage using iron flow battery technology.$3,000,000Darling Downs, South West and South BurnettBiotech Research and Toll Manufacturing FacilityFK Gardener & Sons Pty LtdDevelopment of a business case and economic impact assessment to quantify the benefits of establishing a domestic Biotech Research and Toll Manufacturing Facility. $500,000Mullul Warril: Improving employment and economic outcomes, through building the capacity and capability of First Nations to participate in future job prospects, management of land and environmental projectsUniSQRegional pilot program that develops a scoping study focused around a governance structure to promote knowledge sharing, First Nations business development, bush foods production and the implementation of Caring for Country principles. $220,000QCN Dark Fibre (Smart Country Enabler)South Burnett Regional CouncilProvide high speed connectivity to enhance economic, social and environmental liveability in the South Burnett.$6,800,000Kingaroy Water for GrowthSouth Burnett Regional CouncilIncrease water security for urban use and provide water security for agricultural irrigation through the construction of a new 150ML storage.$7,084,590Parkside Biofuel Briquette and Pellet ProjectParksideThe Biofuel Briquette and Pellet Project is a venture in Wondai, QLD, is designedto convert sawmill and forest residue into renewable biofuel.$3,018,808High tech conversion of nut waste to high value consumer and industrial products.Plenty FoodsThe project is constructing and outfitting a new Industry 4.0 processing facility to produce enhanced protein and high palmitoleic oil.$2,781,192Next Economy Opportunities and Challenges for South West QueenslandSouth West Regional Organisation of Councils (SWROC)Support South-West councils develop a long-term action plan that supports their unique transition to a decarbonised economy through diversification of mature South West industries such as oil and gas. $225,000CO2 Generation from Boiler Flue ExhaustSwickers Kingaroy Bacon Factory Pty LtdCapturing and re-purposing of CO2 gas produced on-site at Swickers Kingaroy site will result in a reduction in annual CO2 emissions of 1,000 tonnes per annum. Design, procurement, and installation of required plant and equipment to enable the processing of the flue gas to extract, scrub, compress and store CO2 for use in the plant.$1,820,000Hub for sustainable products - Re-manufacture agricultural and industry waste to produce products that are currently not produced in QueenslandVinidex Pty LimitedEstablish a new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) recycling plant to recycle pipe materials, along with post-consumer commercial milk and/or other bottles.This project will produce Queensland's first recycled poly irrigation pipe. $1,750,000Keratin Production from Pig HairSwickers Kingaroy Bacon Factory Pty LtdThe project will design, procure, install and commission a processing line utilising biocatalyst technology to produce concentrated liquid keratin from hair and hooves, reducing the need for landfill and generating a new export market.$3,000,000Central QueenslandLHP 2: Develop Business Case Solutions to Post-mining Land Use EnviroMETS Develop assessment tools to help determine the best economic, environmental and social options for closed and end of life mines. The model will consider mine types, geography and current use and will identify innovative solutions to potential challenges.$255,000Establishing a First Nations Business HubFirst Nations Chamber of Commerce and IndustrySupport the establishment of a First Nations Business Hub in Gladstone that supports indigenous business participation in renewable project across Central Queensland region.$1,400,000 Circularising fertiliser production in CQ enabling the bioeconomyMort & Co LtdThe project will support the development of a fertiliser manufacturing facility to be built alongside the feedlot to utilise waste in a circular fashion to create fertiliser and improve environmental outcomes of the feedlot and agricultural growers in the region and the Great Barrier Reef.$12,750,000Workforce planning and Biloela Workforce AccommodationOffice of the Coordinator-GeneralThe project will provide funding to undertake a scoping study, commercial analysis, and an implementation plan to support the development of the Biloela Workforce Accommodation Village.$1,400,000Greater WhitsundayLHP 2: Develop Business Case Solutions to Post-mining Land UseEnviroMETSDevelop assessment tools to help determine the best economic, environmental and social options for closed and end of life mines. The model will consider mine types, geography and current use and will identify innovative solutions to potential challenges.$255,000Bowen Food Futures PrecinctBowen Gumlu Growers AssociationDevelopment of a business case to establish a multi-commodity processing facility and pilot plant to maximise feedstock potential in the region.$2,100,000Renewable Energy as a post-mining land use (PMLU) in the Bowen BasinQueensland Resources CouncilDetermine the viability and connection costs of using post mining land for potential renewable energy projects across the Bowen Basin. $500,000

Funding boost to spur fresh regional industries

Industry Queensland

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