In the world of reckless renewables, Queensland Hydro has once again taken a leap, this time forging a partnership with the Mackay-based Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE). Their mission? To prepare the future workforce for the renewable energy sector. While the intent behind this collaboration appears noble, it raises critical questions about timing, transparency, and community involvement.
While the prospect of a green energy future is enticing, the timeline of events raises eyebrows. It's not the first time that Queensland Hydro and the Queensland Government have seemingly jumped the gun. In September 2022, they announced the Pioneer-Burdekin Pumped Hydro Project to the media before engaging with landowners and consulting local communities. This approach felt like putting the cart before the horse, leaving communities feeling unheard and powerless.
Thanks to Win News Mackay for this video of their news story.
Now, with the Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) in place to train the future workforce for these projects, questions loom large. The Pioneer-Burdekin project is still in the investigation phase, and its final approval is far from certain. So, why invest in training a workforce for a project that might not even proceed?
This approach sends mixed messages to local communities. It suggests that decisions are being made without their input and that their concerns are falling on deaf ears. It's reminiscent of the frustration voiced about Julieanne Gilbert, whose perceived indifference to community concerns only deepens the sense of powerlessness.
In this landscape of reckless renewables, it's crucial to halt and reflect. Let's ensure that as we train a workforce for tomorrow, we also listen to the voices of today's communities and build a sustainable future together, one that doesn't recklessly destroy our communities and environment.