I live in regional Queensland, where change is nothing new.
We adapt and innovate daily.
Our communities have weathered droughts, market shifts, floods, natural disasters, even a global pandemic.
We know what it means to be resilient.
As Queensland moves towards a renewable energy future, adaptation alone isn’t enough.
This time, we need to lead, not just for ourselves, but for the generations that follow.
I have recently undertaken the Future Queensland: Rural Women’s Leadership Program delivered through Queensland Rural, Remote and Regional Women’s Network in partnership with Environmental Leadership Australia.
I wanted to understand what’s driving the energy transition, particularly here in Queensland and how communities like mine can have a real say in shaping what that looks like.
Right now, Queensland already generates over 40 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources.
With more than $70 billion in new renewable energy investment proposed, regional communities like ours will host the lion’s share of these projects.
This brings enormous potential: local jobs, investment in community infrastructure, and hundreds of millions of dollars in payments to landholders and councils by 2030.
But these benefits won’t be realised if we are not at the table to discuss and understand what this looks like from the very beginning.
That means listening to local voices, not just the loudest in the room, but those with a genuine interest in long term community prosperity and that includes the voices of regional women.
Through this program, I connected with inspiring women from all corners of Queensland, farmers, councillors, business owners and community leaders, all of them stepping up to lead conversations about Queensland’s energy future.
Together, we visited large scale renewable projects, engaged with experts and deepened our understanding of climate science, energy systems and community engagement.
My biggest takeaway wasn’t just knowledge, it was confidence. Confidence to ask the right questions, speak up and bring others along with me.
As these projects roll out, we need to ensure they are not imposed on us, but developed with us.
They must respect our landscapes, support our economies and leave a legacy we are proud of.
That requires strong, informed local leadership and a willingness to participate in the decision making process at every level.
I encourage others, especially regional women, to get involved.
Attend local meetings, seek out information, ask questions and step into leadership roles when the opportunity arises.
Queensland’s energy future isn’t just about solar panels and wind turbines, it’s about people. It’s about us and our voices matter.
*Kate Giles is a regional development professional and Bundaberg local advocating for sustainable futures, inclusive leadership and strong community outcomes.
