Leading the Way in the Greater Whitsunday Region

The Decarbonisation Accelerated project, delivered in partnership by the Resources Centre of Excellence, Greater Whitsunday Alliance and the Local Buying Foundation, is creating real change across the Greater Whitsunday region. With a strong focus on supporting the Mining Equipment, Technology and Services sector, the project is helping local businesses embrace decarbonisation, diversify revenue streams and secure a sustainable future.

Collaboration has been at the heart of this success. The project has established 27 partnerships, attracting significant additional funding and value-add contributions from partners, including RCOE, GW3 and the Queensland Department of State Development. Eight Leaders Group meetings have provided strategic guidance and fostered collaboration across government, industry and the METS sector. Extensive engagement has seen project overviews delivered to 132 stakeholder groups, amplifying the Decarbonisation Accelerated brand and its impact.

Decarbonisation intelligence has been shared with 23 regional workstreams, influencing the plans of eight key regional entities. The project’s work is now embedded in strategies across councils, industry groups and innovation hubs, ensuring a coordinated approach to regional decarbonisation and diversification.

Motivating and supporting business action has been a priority. Eleven major events have engaged 716 attendees and 235 businesses in outcome-based activities. Standout events include the “Decarbonisation Accelerated: Continuing the Conversation” forum, which doubled participants’ understanding of diversification opportunities and inspired action on ESG and climate technology. The Greater Whitsunday ESG Service Providers Panel was launched, giving local SMEs access to high-quality expertise in sustainability and decarbonisation.

Technology advancement is another key achievement. The project has developed a database of decarbonisation technologies within the local METS sector and delivered showcase events such as the XR Hub Pitch and ZeroIN. Partnerships with Amazon and Horizon Digital are advancing a platform proof of concept for emissions reduction validation, while CQUniversity launched a micro-credential in Decarbonisation and Gas Scope Emissions in May 2025.

Diversification for a resilient future is well underway. The METS Diversification Strategy was launched alongside the “METS & MORE: Unlocking New Revenue” campaign, helping businesses identify and pursue new opportunities in emerging sectors. Business engagement in diversification initiatives has already exceeded targets, with 25 businesses actively participating.

The Decarbonisation Accelerated project is connecting businesses with knowledge, technology and networks, building a resilient, future-ready economy for the Greater Whitsunday region. As one participant shared: “The momentum created in the last 18 months is inspirational and now is the time to support even more work to grow the decarbonisation industry.”