Councillor Column Councillor Mary Brown

Turning Major Investment Into Local Opportunity

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After many years in the planning phase, the recent announcement that the Gawara Baya Wind Farm renewable energy project to be developed just outside the Hinchinbrook Shire boundary, has reached financial close, has the potential to provide positive impact for local contractors, employees and the broader local economy.

Regardless of individual views surrounding renewable energy development, a major investment close to our doorstep presents a rare economic opportunity for this community. Whilst local government was not the approval agency in this process, supporting economic sustainability is one it’s important priorities and there is a conversation that needs to be had - what opportunities could this create for our local businesses, contractors and broader economy?

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Major infrastructure projects require far more than the specialist companies whose names appear on the project announcement. They need civil contractors, machinery operators, electricians, transport providers, mechanics, accommodation, fuel, catering, cleaning, waste services, trades, equipment hire and countless other goods and services throughout construction and, potentially, ongoing operations. These are services that regional businesses already provide.

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For our local contractors, particularly those who have built capable businesses servicing agriculture, construction, transport and industry, projects of this scale could represent significant opportunities to tender for work, expand their workforceand invest further in their businesses.

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The economic benefit does not necessarily stop with the contractor who wins the job.  When a local business secures additional work, that money has the potential to circulate throughout our community. It can mean another employee on the books, additional machinery purchased or serviced locally, more fuel bought locally, more meals through local cafes and pubs, more people staying in local accommodation and greater spending through retail and service sectors. That flow-on effect is where major investment can become meaningful for a regional economy.  

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Many local businesses have already participated in the “meet the buyer” events hosted over the past two years and connected with the project lead contractors. This has given the project proponents an understanding of the capability that already exists within our region and encourages genuine local procurement wherever possible.

Economic development is not simply about welcoming investment at any cost. It is about ensuring regional communities receive a fair and lasting benefit from development occurring in and around them.

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