Local economic opportunities network

The local economic opportunities network (LEO network) assists regional councils and communities with decarbonisation and the economic opportunities associated with a decarbonised economy.

The LEO network will work with key stakeholders to identify, collect and discuss local opportunities and distribute information on government programs and services.

The LEO network is part of the Queensland new-industry development strategy. QNIDS was established to support investment in clean energy technology and help communities take advantage of the economic opportunities available in Queensland.

Queensland’s opportunity

Queensland is in a unique position to capitalise on opportunities from the shift towards decarbonisation. Companies, investors and governments are investing in clean-energy technology to reduce carbon emissions and decarbonise their operations.

The global energy transformation has increased demand for renewable energy, electric vehicles, and lower emissions fuels for transport.

Decarbonisation support

There are programs and initiatives available to help Queensland local governments, business and industry reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Business sustainability and energy efficiency

Queensland Business Energy Savings Transformation Program provides 50% rebate of up to $12,500 to eligible small and medium-sized Queensland businesses to purchase and install eligible energy-efficient equipment, smart technology, and energy management systems.
ecoBiz assists small to medium sized businesses develop an action plan to improve their resource efficiency and environmental sustainability and reduce operational costs.
ESG self-assessment tool helps businesses to understand their current environmental, social and governance (ESG) position, providing a summary report with suggested next steps.
Climate Change Risk Management Tool for Small Businesses contains information on climate change, the related risks, and checklists to assess these risks.
Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) provides benefits for households and small businesses to help with purchase costs of small-scale renewable energy system (solar, wind or hydro) or eligible hot water system.
Emissions Reduction Fund earn Australian carbon credit units for every tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent stored or avoided through adopting new practices and technologies.
Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme offers landholders, communities and businesses the opportunity to run projects that avoid the release of greenhouse gas emissions or remove and sequester carbon from the atmosphere.
Becoming an environmentally friendly business guide outlines the benefits and process for ensuring your business is environmentally friendly, including opportunities to reduce waste and tips for saving energy and lowering energy costs.

Resource Recovery and Recycling

Recycling and Jobs Fund aims to create significant uplift in industry capability to recover and recycle resources at scale, assist with the development of precincts in strategic locations, and support the Queensland manufacturing sector.
Circular by Design online seminar provides the principles of circularity which aim to support increases in business financial revenue and improvement in environmental and social footprints.
Design in Manufacturing Program aims to raise businesses' awareness of the importance of circular-design in manufacturing, building capability, reducing waste and lowering costs.

Transport

Driving the Nation Program the Innovation in Charging focus area is currently open, supporting innovation in public charging and management of charging.
Queensland Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate Scheme provides rebates for eligible new Zero Emission Vehicles purchased from 16 March 2022.

Manufacturing

Pathway to Net Zero half-day workshop provides an overview of the benefits of sustainable manufacturing, reviews the steps in determining a company’s carbon footprint and assists attendees develop a net zero action plan. Regional events and online options are available. Register now for the next online event 16 July 2024.
Communicating Your ESG Commitment one-day masterclass supports the development of an ESG statement and communication strategy including understanding compliance requirements. Regional events and online options are available.
Manufacturing Sustainability Benchmarking Program helps manufacturers understand their sustainability progress with an online benchmark assessment. The report provides detailed results and recommended actions for improvement.
Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Grant Program supports manufacturers to increase energy efficiency measures and technology, reduce energy usage and costs, reduce emissions and increase awareness of energy use with matched funding grants of $5,000 to $25,000. Round 1 applications close 30 June 2024.
Design in Manufacturing Program aims to raise businesses' awareness of the importance of circular-design in manufacturing, building capability, reducing waste and lowering costs.
Manufacturing Breakfast Seminars aim to assist manufacturers identify key opportunities for business growth and resilience.

Agriculture

Farm Management Grants offer primary producers a 50% rebate on the cost of eligible professional advice to produce a Farm Business Resilience Plan for their property.
Support Plantation Establishment Program supports the establishment of new long-rotation softwood and hardwood plantation forests in Australia and assists the sector in responding to the projected growth in demand for domestically sourced timber resources
Drought Preparedness Grants Program assists primary producers to undertake on-farm capital improvements to improve drought preparedness.
Sustainability Loan provides loans for primary producers and commercial fishers to help them improve their productivity and sustainability.
Get Your Business CN30 Ready outlines how meat operators can take action towards carbon neutrality.
Renewable Energy Landholder Toolkit assists landholders reflect on the various potential benefits and risks associated with on-farm renewable development, as they respond to and negotiate with energy industry representatives about accessing land and developing renewable energy projects.
Energy savings ideas for agricultural businesses guide provides energy savings advice and tips to reduce energy use and save costs

Tourism

Manage sustainability in tourism provides steps to guide tourism operators on how to be more sustainable.

Digital

Digital Solutions Program helps small businesses to adapt and flourish through the adoption of digital business tools that can improve productivity, effectiveness, and aid business growth.
Cyber security online resources are available addressing information security management and the new edition of ISO 27001, the internationally used system for keeping businesses cyber secure.
Digital Skills Hub provides free digital training courses.

Clean energy projects and technological developments

Industry Growth Program and Advisory Service supports innovative small and medium enterprises undertaking commercialisation and/or growth projects within the National Reconstruction Fund priority areas including renewables and low emissions technologies.
National Reconstruction Fund provides debt finance, equity finance and guarantees for businesses with compelling proposals in priority areas including renewables and low emissions technologies.
National Industrial Transformation Program will support the reduction of scope 1 and scope 2 emissions at existing or planned industrial facilities across Australia, including support for technological/commercial readiness of renewable energy/energy efficiency/electrification technologies; upskilling of industrial workforce in new decarbonised activities; technology demonstration, collaboration and knowledge sharing across industry and regions.
Powering the Regions Industrial Transformation Stream round 1 support for the following focus areas: supporting the decarbonisation of process heat used in industrial processes; and off-road transport decarbonisation.
Solar Sunshot will provide funding to build Australia’s solar photovoltaic manufacturing capabilities, supporting innovative manufacturing facilities in Australia across the solar supply chain (program is in design phase). Register for consultation and to receive updates on the program.
Hydrogen Headstart Round 2 will support large-scale renewable hydrogen production projects. Form to register interest is now available.
Low Emissions Investment Partnerships will support the reduction of emissions from Safeguard Mechanism facilities in the metallurgical coal sector, which has a critical role in producing steel for the renewable technologies to decarbonise the state.
Regional Microgrids Program supports the development and deployment of microgrid technologies across regional and remote communities in Australia.
Advancing Renewables Program supports development, demonstration and pre-commercial deployment projects including opportunities to optimise the transition to renewable electricity, commercialise clean hydrogen and support the transition to low emissions metals.
Product Stewardship for Oil Program provides financial benefit for businesses that recycle oil or use recycled oil in their operations.
Regional Futures – Collaborative Projects provides funding of up to $200,000 to support regional innovation leaders to collaborate with partners to unlock Queensland’s economic potential, whether by solving a significant problem or creating an opportunity for the regions.
Guarantee of Origin scheme is currently open for consultation. The proposed scheme would provide a mechanism to track and verify emissions associated with hydrogen and other products made in Australia; and provide an enduring mechanism for renewable electricity certification which could support a variety of renewable energy claims.

Local government

Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program offers grants to deliver infrastructure projects within regional precincts in partnership with local stakeholders to benefit regional communities, with intended outcomes including, but not limited to, transitioning to a net zero economy or supporting Australia’s emission reduction goals.
Regional Waste Management Plan Coordination Program supports the implementation of the regional waste management plans developed for multiple regions across Queensland through the engagement of a coordinator.
Snapshot Climate tool provides greenhouse gas emissions profiles for Australian councils (local government areas), regions, federal electorates, states and territories which are free to download.

Critical minerals and resources

Collaborative Development Program supports economy-aligned opportunities to recover and accelerate the development of Queensland’s critical minerals sector.

International partnerships and trade-exposed facilities

Powering the Regions Fund - Safeguard Transformation Stream Round 1 provides up to $50 million to trade exposed facilities to reduce their emissions and contribute to meeting Australia’s emissions reduction targets.
Austria Industrial Decarbonisation Demonstration Partnerships Program provides funding for joint Australian and Austrian projects that seek development of decarbonisation technologies for hard-to-abate energy-intensive industries.
Queensland-Bavaria Collaborative Research Program development grants provide support for research collaboration in the areas of clean energy and storage, emission reduction technologies, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, aerospace, manufacturing, life sciences, biomedical research, and the wider bio-economy.

Queensland Government initiatives and resources

The Queensland Decarbonisation Hub brings together research experts, government, industry, and communities to help meet the state’s climate targets to boost renewable energy sources and achieve net zero by 2050.

Search government initiatives and strategies helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Category	Action or strategy
Agriculture	Renewable Energy Landholder Toolkit assists landholders respond to and negotiate with energy industry representatives about accessing land and developing renewable energy projects.
Agriculture	Queensland Low Emissions Agriculture Roadmap 2022-2032 will assist Queensland agribusinesses and the broader supply chain to lower their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions without impacting the supply of food and fibre.
Agriculture	Farm Business Resilience Planning provides access to training and assists in preparing a farm management plan.
Agriculture	Farm Management Grants Program offers primary producers a 50 per cent rebate on the cost of eligible professional advice up to a maximum $2,500 to produce a Farm Business Resilience Plan for their property.
Agriculture	Drought Preparedness Grants Scheme offer up to $50,000 as a co-contribution grant to assist primary producers undertake on-farm capital improvements to improve drought preparedness.
Agriculture	AgTech Roadmap aims to drive technological innovation in the sector.
Agriculture	Agriculture Sector Adaptation Plan highlights adaptation activities and considers gaps and barriers to climate risk management and adaptation in the sector.
Agriculture	Queensland Agriculture and Food Research, Development and Extension 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan provides support for sectoral innovation and the development of agri-technology.
Business	Decarbonisation of the Great Barrier Reef Island Program worked with island resorts and communities to develop operations for decarbonisation.
Business	Great Barrier Reef Island Resorts Rejuvenation program delivers ‘greening’ initiatives to improve sustainability practices.
Business	ecoBiz works with more than 1,100 small to medium enterprises to improve resource efficiency, environmental sustainability and lower their operating costs.
Communities	Decarbonising Remote Communities program provides support to Doomadgee, Mapoon, Pormpuraaw and the Northern Peninsula Area to install renewable energy systems and reduce diesel power. This program is now completed.
Communities	Strategic Blueprint for Queensland’s North-West Minerals Province has actions to facilitate the resource sector development, diversify the region’s economy to create job opportunities, and deliver integrated services for businesses and community.
Communities	Communities in Transition Pilot Program is assisting six Queensland communities to navigate global transitions for long-term viability and sustainability.
Communities	Queensland Climate Resilient Councils works with Queensland local governments to deliver services and products to strengthen staff and leadership skills and capacity to plan for and respond to the challenges and opportunities arising from climate change.
Communities	Regional Economic Futures Fund supports communities in seizing industry development opportunities presented by global decarbonisation.
Construction	Zero Net Emissions 2050 Buildings Plan includes: developing building-related strategies to deliver commitments in the Queensland Climate Transition Strategy develop Queensland Development Codes to provide appropriate standards for green roofs and green walls and to guide maintenance of the energy efficiency features in commercial buildings drive the national agenda to improve the sustainability performance of new privately-owned dwellings and commercial buildings by updating the National Construction Code.
Construction	Brisbane 2032 Climate Positive Olympic and Paralympic Games preparation including information on the sustainability strategies for a climate positive Games.
Construction	Infrastructure Sustainability Council conduct mandatory assessment of major project sustainability.
Construction	Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council's Building Code Energy Performance Trajectory Project aims to reduce stress on the electricity network, offering bill savings, supporting a least-cost pathway to a zero carbon built environment, and improving health and resilience outcomes for households and businesses.
Construction	Queensland Building Plan guides policy and legislation to create a safer, fairer and more sustainable construction industry.
Energy	Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Roadmap (PDF) lays out a framework to support communities and the environment and strategically connect around 22 gigawatts of new grid-scale renewable energy in 12 potential locations across Queensland.
Energy	Powering Queensland Plan guides the state through the short-term and long-term challenges facing Australia's energy markets. This includes the Renewables 400 program which identified best projects to increase the state’s renewable energy supply and deliver 400 MW of new renewable energy and storage projects through the state.
Energy	Solar Farm Guidelines - Renewable energy project planning and approvals is a practical guidelines for communities, landholders and project proponents and provides guidance to developers on planning, designing, and constructing solar farms in Queensland
Energy	Renewable energy project planning and approvals site provides links and guidance for development of renewable energy projects (solar and wind). Includes link to Solar Farm Guidelines: Guidance for local governments (pdf)
Energy	Powering Queensland’s battery industry provides a outline of the stages to develop a strategy for the battery induction in Queensland
Environment	Queensland’s Protected Area Strategy 2020–2030 supports the growth, better management and sustainability of the state’s protected areas, including extraordinary national parks and private protected areas.
Environment	Land Restoration Fund will expand carbon farming in Queensland by supporting land management projects that not only keep carbon in the ground, but also deliver positive impacts or ‘co-benefits’ for our environment and communities.
Agriculture	Drought and Climate Adaptation Program helps producers better manage drought and climate impacts, with research, development and extension projects facilitated by the Queensland Drought Mitigation Centre.
Agriculture	Long Paddock provides climate science resources to support the agriculture sector to improve decision-making in a variable and changing climate.
Environment	Queensland Future Climate Dashboard provides climate projection data and other risk assessment resources for the agriculture sector.
Environment	Vegetation management legislation has increased the proception of high-value regrowth and remnant vegetation.
Industry development	Regional Economic Futures Fund will support communities seize industry development opportunities presented by global decarbonisation.
Industry development	Queensland Mining Equipment, Technology and Services 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan supports growth of the sector.
Industry development	Queensland new-industry development strategy supports seizing the opportunities that global decarbonisation brings for Queensland.
Industry development	Queensland Hydrogen Investor Toolkit - Resources to assist investors planning to undertake hydrogen project developments in Queensland. Hydrogen industry development site provides information of the Queensland Hydrogen Strategy and development fund
Manufacturing	Queensland Advanced Manufacturing 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan provides an integrated approach to positioning Queensland as a leader in advanced manufacturing and to capture the opportunities associated with Industry 4.0.
Manufacturing	Queensland manufacturing hubs provide a place for local manufacturing businesses to receive expert advice and support to transition to advanced manufacturing.
Renewable energy development	Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan: Community Partnerships and Enabling Frameworks provides an update of the initiatives and support for Queensland’s energy transformation.
Renewable energy development	Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund Designed to increase Government Owned Corporations' ownership of commercial renewable energy and hydrogen projects (and supporting infrastructure). Projects may be in partnership with private sector companies.
Renewable energy development	ARENA Microgrid Pilots program supports pilot demonstrations of microgrid technologies in rural and regional Australia. Supports feasible projects that demonstrate solutions to technical, regulatory or commercial barriers to the deployment of microgrid technologies.
Renewable energy development	Renewable energy project planning and approvals site provides links and guidance for development of renewable energy projects (solar and wind). Includes link to Solar Farm Guidelines: Guidance for local governments.
Renewable energy development	Climate action for Business and Industry provides a guide to actions a business can take to increase profitability and capitalise on future opportunities and become more sustainable and manage climate risk
Renewable energy development	Queensland Hydrogen Industry Strategy and Hydrogen Taskforce to support the development, production, consumption and export of hydrogen from Queensland.
Renewable energy development	Implementing the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan (QEJP) which will include: stakeholder consultations on the Queensland Renewable Energy Zones (QREZ) roadmap rolling-out targeted programs to support savings for households and small businesses providing guidelines for the Queensland Microgrid Pilot Fund start consultation on the draft Regional Energy Transformation Partnerships Framework delivering a Fuels strategy to accelerate the uptake of sustainable liquid fuels on the pathway towards net zero.
Renewable energy development	Queensland Biofutures 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan provides Queensland’s vision for the sector as well as providing industry insights and achievements.
Renewable energy development	Queensland Biofuels mandate sets out minimum requirements for the sale of biobased petrol and biobased diesel.
Resources	Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan supports new economy minerals, circular economy in mining and the development of Queensland’s battery industry strategy.
Resources	New Economy Minerals Initiative: invests in exploration activities to improve the scientific understanding of geosciences data needed by industry to locate and define mineral deposits includes a partnership with UQ’s Sustainable Minerals Institute to develop sustainable methods of extracting rare earth elements. includes how circular economy principles can be applied in mining.
Resources	Bowen Basin Gas Pipeline concept study to reduce fugitive emissions in the coal sector.
Resources	Collaborative Exploration Initiative provides funding for new exploration programs.
Resources	Queensland Mining Equipment, Technology and Services 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan provides a vision for the sector’s growth, with a focus on collaboration and opportunities to bring innovative ideas to market, with $8 million worth of initiatives.
Resources	Queensland Resource Industry Development Plan provides a vision to shift the resources industry into recognising the global shift to a low carbon economy.
Skills and training	Tradies for the Transition (PDF) is Queensland’s renewable energy attraction and retention strategy.
Skills and training	Hydrogen Industry Workforce Development Roadmap 2022-2032 prepares Queenslanders to participate in hydrogen opportunities and ensure the industry can access the workers it needs.
Skills and training	Advanced Manufacturing Skills: A Skills, Training and Workforce Development Strategy for the Advanced Manufacturing Industry in Queensland supports the development workforce skills in the sector.
Skills and training	Manufacturing Skills Queensland was established through the Future Skills Fund to support current and new manufacturing workers.
Skills and training	Advanced Manufacturing Gateway to Industry Schools project. Partnership with the Queensland Manufacturing Institute.
Skills and training	Queensland's Clean Energy Workforce Roadmap provides direction to further develop Queensland's highly skilled workforce to support the continued growth of the state's clean energy industry.
Skills and training	Vocational education and training programs provide targeted investment to assist industry and employers train and upskill their current and future workforce.
Transport	Zero Emission Vehicle strategy and Action Plan sets out initiatives to be progressed over the next 2 years to increase zero emission vehicle uptake across Queensland communities, businesses, and government fleets.
Transport	The Future is Electric: Queensland’s Electric Vehicle Strategy will prepare for a transition to a greater uptake of EVs ensuring that Queensland is in the best position to capture the benefits and opportunities that these vehicles bring.
Transport	Queensland Electric Super Highway connects electric vehicle drivers across our state and includes fast charging locations to a range of coastal and inland locations.
Transport	Climate Change Risk Assessments for Infrastructure Projects expansion to improve the sustainability and climate resilience of transport infrastructure, through reducing whole-of-life emissions.
Transport	Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure outlines the principals for planning electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Priority Development Areas in Qld, to support the selection of the right type of infrastructure at the right location.

Contact the LEO network

Get in touch with your LEO network team member to learn about the economic opportunities available to you and how decarbonisation can benefit your organisation.

Visit or call one of our regional offices
Email LEO@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au

Frequently Asked Questions

The LEO network can:
- be a key point of contact within government for renewable energy, decarbonisation and other regional opportunities
- ensure regional stakeholders are kept informed on current government programs, policies and other initiatives
- provide a mechanism to engage with the regions on key issues and coordinate potential whole of government support
- facilitate communication between local stakeholders, agencies and all tiers of government
- identify resources, policy changes and regulatory frameworks required to seize opportunities and manage risks
- identify major projects and diversification opportunities and provide facilitation support
Decarbonisation is the process of significantly reducing or eliminating carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere. This includes the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from energy production, and from other activities undertaken by communities, businesses and households.
Historically, Queensland has relied on carbon-based industries, such as coal mining and coal-fired power stations as a source of electricity generation, employment and trade. Queensland’s economy is now shifting to diversify our energy mix and meet the challenges presented by climate related impacts.
Decarbonisation is a global economic force and capturing the associated opportunities presents a new wave of economic growth for the state. Queensland’s expertise in mining, and rich, natural resources which are essential to developing a global low-emissions economy, have driven considerable investment interest. Increased global demand for critical minerals, hydrogen exports and biofuels production can be leveraged to grow regional economies.
The Queensland Government, through the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, has committed to attaining 70% renewable energy by 2032 and 80% by 2035. As of November 2022, 22.7% of Queensland’s energy was produced from renewable energy sources. This means that there is considerable potential for Queensland further invest in renewable energy projects to decarbonise the state. Read more information about Queensland’s renewable energy target.
The LEO network is part of existing departmental delivery for regional offices and not subject to additional resources or discrete funding arrangements.
It will improve whole of government coordination and information dissemination relating to industry and regional development. In addition, the increased engagement on decarbonisation is expected to leverage increased economic prosperity for communities.
A Transformation Working Group will be established to facilitate discussions and collaboration between the state and local governments. Its purpose is to discuss issues and opportunities for regional economic transformation and manage the opportunities and risks. This will help inform the operations of the LEO network and provide an avenue for issues to be escalated.
The group will consist of members from Queensland Government departments and the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ). It will be chaired by the department’s Deputy Director-General, State Development Group.
The LEO network will provide advice and report annually to the government via the Transformation Working Group on the risks, opportunities and outcomes identified and developed through the network.

Further resources

Climate action resources for business and industry
Provides further climate action support for businesses and industry.
Climate change
Highlights some of the climate change initiatives Queensland Government is undertaking and provides resources for households and businesses.
Queensland Climate Action Plan
Information on meeting emissions reductions and renewable energy targets
Queensland Climate Action newsletter
Read and subscribe to the Queensland Climate Action newsletter
Glossary of terms ( 216.4 KB)

Decarbonisation stories in Queensland

Read about the work already underway on our news page.

Last updated: 21 Jun 2024