The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) turns its attention to Queensland ahead of the state election in October to underscore areas of improvement in renewable innovations.
ATSE Queensland chair Dr Sue Keay says while Queensland is placed in good stead to earn the moniker of ‘Australia’s innovation state’, there is a need to improve energy-efficiency literacy, alongside refining technological innovation knowledge systems and investing in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
“Investing in digital literacy and supporting the early adoption of new technologies will place Queensland at the front of the pack to build a stronger and more inclusive economy,” says Keay.
ATSE has identified five areas that require greater focus, which include improving digital skill education in regional areas, developing policies that advertise the appeal and benefit of energy-efficiency solutions, creating a state-wide sustainable water management plan, embracing emerging technologies and drafting an integrated population and land use plan.
Investments rendered useless without strong STEM workforce
ATSE applauds investments to safeguard Queensland’s aspiring status as a sustainability giant such as the $1 billion Solar SunShot program to manufacture more solar panels in Australia and the $940 million PsiQuantum start-up investment that names Brisbane as the host city for the development of the world’s first commercially viable quantum computer.
However, such investments will be futile without the backing of a skilled and expansive STEM workforce.
There is a crucial need for the ongoing development of STEM skills, as illustrated by the emergence of 450,000 new STEM occupations nationally over the past 10 years. Limited access to digital technologies hinders STEM education in regional areas – remote areas score six points lower on average in digital skills compared to major cities.
ATSE wants to see electoral candidates seek inspiration and guidance from Queensland’s STEM community to build a resilient and forward-thinking state. Academy CEO Kylie Walker suggests a plan to increase the current 0.07 percent investment of gross state product in new innovations is an achievable initial goal.
“We call on all candidates in the Queensland election to engage with the innovation sector to build a more prosperous future for all Queenslanders and lock in the gains the state has made in developing pioneering new industries,” says Walker.
Queensland welcomes Australia’s first certified Passivhaus training facility.
