Queensland: Deloitte report finds all regions will grow, add jobs on way to net zero

02.12.21 By
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Queenslander will have more jobs to choose from, and live in a larger economy, if the state manages the transformation to a clean economy well, a new Deloitte Access Economics report has found.

People powering the future, commissioned by the Climate Council, found managing the transformation to a clean economy successfully will see the Queensland economy become 7 percent larger in 2050 than it would have been otherwise.

The report found demand for clean economy jobs will grow 2.5 percent each year over this decade, and clean jobs will make up three quarters of the fastest growing occupations by 2030.

Key Findings:

Climate Councillor and economist Nicki Hutley said planning and preparing for a lower-emissions future will create economic opportunities for Queenslanders and ensure prosperity for the state.

“If we plan early for the economic transformation, all Queensland regions and workers will enjoy clean economic growth and job opportunities,” said Ms Hutley.

“Today, 80 percent of the tasks needed in Queensland’s future clean economy are already being performed. For example, an electrician working in a coal mine can relatively easily upskill to work in another industry, such as a hydroelectric plant.”

The report found Queensland workers impacted by the transition away from fossil fuels will have, on average, four alternative occupations they can immediately pursue (with no additional formal training). For example drillers, miners and shot firers can work as a power generation plant operator. Heavy machine operators have skill sets that will be valuable across Queensland’s clean economy. 

It also concluded that fears decarbonisation will mean large job losses are unfounded, with the majority of Queenslanders’ jobs unaffected by the move to a clean economy.

Dr Amanda Cahill, CEO of The Next Economy, a non-for profit aiming to create resilient regional economies, said the Queensland government needs to support regions and training providers to upskill Queensland’s workforce for the net zero economy. 

“The Queensland government can make sure workers have access to training opportunities to not only develop skills across a range of clean industries, but also address current skills and labour shortages across regional Queensland,” Dr Cahill said.

“Planning well and planning early will result in better outcomes for workers, businesses and the broader state economy.

“In fact, if we plan early for the economic transformation every region in Queensland could enjoy clean economic growth and more job opportunities.”


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