State supported by a network of females in key industry roles

The head of Queensland’s newest peak industry body said she’s in good company. Katie Anne Mulder is the inaugural CEO of the Queensland Renewable Energy Council (QREC). QREC is committed to working collaboratively to address issues in the transition to meet carbon emission targets. It’s estimated that 250 large-scale renewable energy projects costing around $120b will be needed to meet the state’s 2035 target. Joanne Bergamin (WISER) and Katie Anne Mulder (QREC), The two organisations have entered a partnership to promote women in resources. It’s a big ask and Ms Mulders says she is buoyed by the number of women in similar positions leading Queensland industry bodies. They include CEOs of the Queensland Resources Council Janette Hewson, Queensland Farmers’ Federation Jo Sheppard, Tourism and Events Queensland, Patricia O’Callghan and general president AgForce Queensland Farmers, Georgie Somerset. Women could bring a different skillset to the leadership role said Ms Mulder. “It's all about diversity, from my perspective,” Ms Mulder said. “I like a collaborative industry body, so work with as many people as we can. “We're really lucky in Queensland the way key industries work is through industry bodies and the renewable energy sector is lucky in that a lot of those supporting bodies are already up and running. “We've got those support networks across the state. So the key is really about how do we be collaborative and work together on those shared goals. “And it's wonderful that a lot of the key peak bodies in Queensland are headed up by strong female leadership.” The public could expect a different approach in representing the interests of members said Ms Mulder. “We want to be as consultative as possible because our industry is being developed in regional Queensland in local communities, there is a huge change that's happening not just in one region. This is across the state. “We need to have a different approach and ensure that they support us and they want us in their region. "Because at the end of the day, our customers, they're the ones that are going to be at the receiving end of how well we roll this out in terms of the timescale of turning off the coal fired power stations. “… but also ensuring that we can have projects up and running on time and on budget to ensure that our energy stays at affordable prices.” The network of female CEOs could be relied upon for support said Ms Mulder. “I suppose there's always a level of wanting to support each other very openly, which is wonderful. “Not to say that we don't get that support from our male leaders as well. We certainly do. The chair of my organization is a man and he's extremely supportive. “And look, to be honest, in so many cases, we wouldn't be where we were if we didn't have those male champions as well.”

State supported by a network of females in key industry roles

Industry Queensland

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