Strategic Insights Update

Australian EV charger manufacturer eLumina is one month away from opening Australia’s first factory capable of producing both community lithium batteries and EV chargers. eLumina’s $20 million manufacturing facility on the Gold Coast factory will produce 300 batteries a year and create 300 jobs, capable of serving up to 100 Queensland households with reliable and cheaper renewable energy. According to company CEO, Lisa Marsh, the facility will use local talent and locally sourced parts and materials. The research and development centre will also provide the opportunity to upskill hundreds of Queenslanders with the expertise to contribute to our evolving battery and EV charging sector.

The $18.29 million North Queensland Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Training Facility is now open. Queenslanders looking to capitalise on the State Government’s Big Build of clean energy, infrastructure, and housing have a new home to hone their skills for the region’s in-demand blue collar careers. The new Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Training Facility includes a mixed reality studio, workshops for hand tools and instrumentation, and electric vehicle training for hydrogen-powered heavy vehicles. 

In 2023-24, a record number of Australians returned from overseas. Driven by strong job opportunities, this has reversed post-pandemic emigration trends and applied upward pressure on the Albanese government's migration reduction plans. Experts predict higher figures than expected, intensifying political debates over migration policies, including residency and net migration targets. Concurrently, James Cook University announced a $16 million budget shortfall linked to changes in student visa applications, highlighting broader impacts on staff and programs amidst these migration shifts.

Queensland's major universities have partnered with Silicon Valley startup PsiQuantum to influence their science, technology, and math courses. This collaboration aims to build a talent pipeline for PsiQuantum's goal of developing the first fault-tolerant quantum computer and opens up joint research opportunities. The consortium includes the University of Queensland, Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology, the University of South Queensland, and the University of the Sunshine Coast.

A recent report by the Queensland Small Business Commission reveals that small businesses in Queensland lag behind their American counterparts in terms of innovation, risk-taking, and technological proficiency. Conducted in collaboration with Central Queensland University, the study outlines four key stages in the life cycle of small businesses—entry, growth, stabilisation, and exit—highlighting a shift from high risk-taking at inception to a focus on operational stability later on. Commissioner Dominique Lamb emphasizes the report's importance in guiding policies to address current challenges like energy costs and skills shortages specific to Queensland's small business landscape.

Fortescue announced it will merge its mining and energy divisions, slashing 700 jobs across its business. Fortescue’s announcement reinforces the fact that one company can’t do it alone – Australia needs a coordinated approach to supporting future green industries. Fortescue confirmed that hydrogen plans at the Liddell site were no longer a priority for the company, and it will instead focus on other hydrogen projects in Queensland, the United States, South America and Europe.