Queensland is at a turning point. Last week’s Sustain Queensland 2025 event attendees agreed: we need to accelerate investment in industries like biofuels and fast-track the uptake of innovation in the energy transition, if we want to seize greener economic opportunities and manage climate risks.

The conversations were passionate and practical — focusing on how Queensland can navigate the economic transformation ahead. Often forgotten, the challenges for smaller businesses and the agriculture sector in facilitating bigger players’ ambition, were outlined eloquently.

Some levers discussed included:

• Data-driven planning and exploration of new technology
• Smart financial incentives
• De-risking pathways for companies
• Upskilling our workforce
• Collaboration across sectors, all levels of industry, government and finances

We all appreciated Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia and the UQ Business School hosting such an important event. (They shared these some great photos taken by Mark D / Event Photos Australia). I especially want to congratulate my colleagues Professor John Cole OAM, Belinda Wade and Scott Losee on their long-term vision and contributions.