From July 2023 to June 2025, the Greater Whitsunday region has made significant progress towards a low-emissions future through the Decarbonisation Accelerated project. Delivered by the Resources Centre of Excellence in partnership with Greater Whitsunday Alliance and proudly supported by the Local Buying Foundation, this two-year initiative has empowered small businesses, engaged industry leaders and created new pathways for economic diversification, all while embedding sustainability into the heart of regional development.
Over the course of the project, 235 businesses were engaged through events, site visits and one-on-one support. These businesses gained practical tools to reduce emissions, diversify revenue and remain competitive. A total of 716 attendees participated in 11 events, including the Decarbonisation Summit, Continuing the Conversation and the Women in Sustainability Collective. These gatherings brought together SMEs, government and industry to share insights and spark action. Eight Leaders Group meetings helped shape a renewed vision for the project, which was featured at GRX25 in Brisbane as a national case study in collaboration.
Decarbonisation intelligence was shared with 23 regional workstreams and influenced eight regional strategies and plans across councils, industry bodies and education institutions. This elevated decarbonisation as a central theme in regional development efforts. The project launched the CQ University Micro-credential in Decarbonisation and Gas Scope Emissions and developed a regional emissions reduction validation scheme in collaboration with Amazon and Horizon Digital. These efforts have helped embed sustainability into business operations and regional planning.
The Greater Whitsunday METS Diversification Strategy was published and launched, engaging 45 organisations including 18 METS businesses. The METS & MORE campaign positioned the sector for long-term commercial success and sustainability and the strategy was presented at SIM-PAC Live, GRX25 and multiple regional forums. Technology adoption was accelerated through the ZeroIN – Technology for a Decarbonised Future event, the development of a VR experience with Real Serious Games and the appointment of nine ESG Service Providers to support regional SMEs. Climate tech opportunities were highlighted through Climate Salad and post-event content.
Flagship events such as the Decarbonisation Accelerated Summit in May 2024 attracted over 200 attendees and 30 presenters, with 82.6 per cent rating the event as excellent. The Continuing the Conversation event in June 2025 focused on ESG, diversification and climate tech, doubling participants’ understanding of diversification opportunities. The METS & MORE campaign launch further reinforced the region’s commitment to sustainability and economic transformation.
The Decarbonisation Accelerated project has not only met but exceeded its key performance indicators, creating a strong foundation for continued regional leadership in sustainability. With new partnerships and technologies in place, the Greater Whitsunday region is well-positioned to thrive in a decarbonised global economy. Whether you are a small business looking to future-proof your operations or a corporate supporter investing in regional resilience, this project has laid the groundwork for new procurement opportunities, access to ESG expertise, recognition for sustainability efforts and stronger regional supply chains.
The Local Buying Foundation’s investment has been instrumental in making this project a reality. Together, we have shown that regional Queensland can lead the way in climate-smart innovation and inclusive economic growth. We invite you to explore the METS & MORE campaign, connect with the ESG Service Providers Panel and stay engaged as we continue building a prosperous, low-emissions future.
Click for more information on the CQ University’s free Decarbonisation and Emissions Scope microcredential or CRC TiME’s Award interview with Jarrah Steen, Future Projects Lead – GW3.