Local economic opportunities network

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

The LEO network is part of the State Development Regional Office Network and works 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 which aims 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, businesses and industry reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Business sustainability and energy efficiency

Small business energy incentive provides 20% tax deduction for the cost of eligible assets and improvements that support more efficient use of energy.
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.
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.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Grant Program Round 2 provides up to $50,000 for Queensland-based manufacturers to improve energy efficiency measures and technology, reduce energy usage, costs and emissions.
Communicating Your ESG Commitment one-day masterclass supports the development of an ESG statement and communication strategy including understanding compliance requirements.
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.
Made in Queensland supports manufacturers looking to adopt industry leading equipment, technologies, systems and processes that include energy efficiency, export, reshoring, supply chain improvements, sustainability and/or advancement of decarbonisation and net zero outcomes can apply for matched funding grants of $50,000 to $2.5 million. Round 7 is currently open for application.
Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program support eligible manufacturing small to medium enterprises in the Cairns, Townsville, Central Queensland, Mackay and the Gold Coast to become more productive, build advanced manufacturing capabilities and create the jobs of the future through: technology adoption; skills and training; business development; and advanced robotic manufacturing hub services. Round 4 guidelines are now available.

Resource recovery and recycling

Recycling and Jobs Fund aims to support large-scale recycling projects that can demonstrate a clear improvement in one or more stages of the recycling process and result in a material impact on the diversion of waste materials from landfill.
Circular Fashion Innovation Fund - in partnership with the Australian Fashion Council, the fund invests in fashion start-ups on eBay to scale innovative solutions from production to end-of-life. Applications close 15th November 2024.
Opportunities in the circular economy - Public inquiry will examine Australia’s opportunities in the circular economy to improve materials productivity and efficiency in ways that benefit the economy and the environment. Initial submissions due 1 November 2024.

Purchasing renewable energy

Council & Business PPA Training Program is providing free training on renewable energy power purchase agreement (PPA) contracts, for businesses and councils looking at purchasing renewable energy in the Queensland Renewable Energy Zones regions.

Transport

Driving the Nation Program the Innovation in Charging focus area is currently open, supporting innovation in public charging and management of charging.
Powering the Regions Industrial Transformation Stream provides support for focus areas including off-road transport decarbonisation.

Agriculture

Agrifutures Australia RD&E Investment provides funding for organisations to help conduct research that will improve the sustainability and profitability of new and established rural industries, including applications for the Australian truffle industry five-year program of research.
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 Round 3 is anticipated to open soon, which aims to support the establishment of new long-rotation softwood and hardwood plantation forests in Australia and assist 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.
Tourism Business Digital Adaption Program provides a rebate of up to $2,500 and free support to improve industry businesses’ digital capabilities.

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.

Clean energy projects and technological developments

Battery Breakthrough Initiative aims to promote the development of battery manufacturing capabilities in Australia. View the consultation paper which will inform the program design.
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 supports innovative solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing facilities in Australia across the solar supply chain. Expressions of interest due 10 December 2024.
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.
Research and Development Tax Incentive helps companies innovate and grow by offsetting some of the costs of eligible research and development.
Product Stewardship for Oil Program provides financial benefit for businesses that recycle oil or use recycled oil in their operations.
Guarantee of Origin scheme aims to 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.
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.

Disaster relief

Small Business Exceptional Assistance Grant Program provides financial support to small businesses in defined disaster areas that experienced significant disruptions and losses during the defined period, to re-establish operations and maintain employment. Closes 30 November 2024.

Local government

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. Closes 31 December 2024.
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.

Precincts and infrastructure

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.
SEQ Innovation Economy Fund will support new or improved infrastructure developments and/or acquisition of plant and equipment that contribute to innovation focused priority industries and innovation growth sectors.

Minerals and resources sector

Queensland Critical Minerals and Battery Technology Fund supports businesses across the critical minerals supply chain, from mining stage to the development of processing facilities and/or infrastructure.
Collaborative Development Program supports economy-aligned opportunities to recover and accelerate the development of Queensland’s critical minerals sector.
Queensland Critical Minerals Prospectus offers insights into investment ready projects at various stages; and the Critical Minerals Investor Hub is an interactive platform for exploring opportunities, connecting with companies, and streamlining the investment journey.

International partnerships and trade-exposed facilities

Go-Green Co-Innovation Program Round 2 will provide grants from $150,000 to $500,000 to facilitate collaboration between Australian SMEs and Singapore businesses in jointly undertaking projects that drive the decarbonisation of economic activities or help Australia or Singapore to transition to net zero emissions. Closes 14 November 2024.
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. Closes 1 November 2024.

Queensland Government initiatives and resources

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	Queensland Battery Industry Strategy provides an outline of support for the development, manufacture and deployment of new energy storage technologies in Queensland.
Energy	Battery Supply Chain Database will assist battery technology companies identify national business and supply chain opportunities to support domestic production.
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 at the State Development regional offices to learn about the economic opportunities available to you and how decarbonisation may 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 investment facilitation and local supply chain 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 June 2024, 27% of electricity generated in Queensland is 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. The network can assist you by navigating the support available and providing you with the most relevant information.
In addition, the increased engagement on decarbonisation is expected to leverage increased economic prosperity for communities.
This webpage is updated regularly as new information becomes available, providing details of current funding programs, government initiatives and case studies. In addition the LEO network officer for your region can provide you with specific support to navigate the information available.

Further resources

Mandatory climate-related financial disclosures
Provides information about the Australian climate disclosure standards requirements for disclosure reporting of an entity’s climate-related financial risks and opportunities, plans and strategies.
Queensland new-industry opportunities
Download the Regional Transformation Strategies which support regional communities with economic diversification and decarbonisation.
Regional Economic Futures Fund (REFF)
REFF is helping Queensland regions seize industry development opportunities presented by global decarbonisation.
Clean Energy Finance Corporation
An Australian Government statutory authority formed to facilitate increased flows of finance into the clean energy sector.
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.
Coexistence Queensland
Aims to improve the sustainable coexistence between landholders, regional communities, the resources industry and the renewable energy industry.
Queensland Renewable Energy Council
Aims to support industry, communities and government to deliver a thriving new energy sector for Queensland.
Energy Efficiency Council - tax incentives guide
Outlines tax incentives available to Australian businesses that can be leveraged to improve energy performance.
Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
Supports improvements in the competitiveness and supply of renewable energy and the uptake of energy efficiency and electrification through financial assistance and knowledge sharing.
Climate action resources for business and industry
Provides climate action support for businesses and industry.
Clean Economy Pathway
Information on meeting emissions reductions and renewable energy targets
Glossary of terms ( 216.4 KB)

Decarbonisation stories in Queensland

Read about the work already underway on our news page.

Last updated: 25 Oct 2024