Central Queensland’s industrial and energy future will be outlined at the 2023 GEA Major Industry, Energy and Manufacturing Conference this  27 – 28 September 2023

 

The annual Gladstone Engineering Alliance (GEA) Major Industry, Energy & Manufacturing Conference, presented by Aestec Services is set to return this September 2023 over two action packed days, Wednesday the 27th and Thursday the 28th at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre.

Gladstone is the gateway to Central Queensland’s (CQ) and the states Industrial and renewable energy sector, the 2023 conference will provide an opportunity to gain insight into where industry, energy and manufacturing is heading and the available opportunities sprouting within the broader CQ Region as our Nation, State and Region progress through the renewables transition.

The Conference provides superior networking conditions to reinforce relationships and gathering information to get a head start at the evolving business opportunities in store for the future.

What to expect:

  • Attendees will hear from a variety of influential guest speakers working in the heart of emerging industrial projects, the transition towards renewable energy and sustainable manufacturing.
  • With Gladstone’s Industrial landscape forever evolving and in conjunction with some major project announcements, 2023 Conference delegates will have an exclusive opportunity to jump on-board the Gladstone Industry Bus Tour.
  • Get involved with the conference early by joining the GEA on a sightseeing cruise of the Gladstone Harbour on the evening of Tuesday the 26th of September with drinks, tapas and live entertainment provided to set the scene for the exclusive Speaker/Sponsor Networking Drinks.
  • Attend the Gladstone Engineering Alliance Industry Awards night and raise a glass to celebrate 20 years in business for the GEA team.
  • Conclude the entire conference with a final corporate networking drink

2023 Conference partner

Aestec Services

AESTEC Services is an Australian owned Civil Construction and Maintenance company based in Gladstone, Queensland.Established in 2005, it rapidly emerged as one of the preferred providers and employers in the Gladstone region.

To provide comprehensive services to our clients, AESTEC Services expanded our head office to include a cutting-edge fabrication workshop and a mobile maintenance workshop. This expansion enabled us to establish their own service team dedicated to the upkeep of the AESTEC fleet of vehicles and machinery. At present, AESTEC Services takes pride in employing over 300 locals, encompassing a diverse range of trades and skill backgrounds. We have played a pivotal role in assisting 31 apprentices in completing their trade qualifications, including dual trades.

AESTEC Services also actively contributes to the local community by supporting various organisations, events, and initiatives. These include the Cosmos Art for Health, The Boyne Tannum Hook Up as well as numerous sporting groups and community events.

CONFERENCE AGENDA

Gain positive exposure for your business by becoming a sponsor

Want to build valuable relationships with Central Queensland industry leaders? Partner with us on our 2023 Major Industry , Energy & Manufacturing Conference. 

TIMELINE OF EVENTS

26 September 2023
Tuesday 2:30pm - 4.00pm
GLADSTONE INDUSTRY BUS TOUR

Explore Gladstone industries through GEA's bus tour in partnership with Gladstone Region Tours.

26 September 2023
Tuesday 5:30PM - 9:30PM
SPEAKERS AND SPONSORS EXCLUSIVE HARBOUR CRUISE

Enjoy a fantastic private evening while experiencing the Gladstone harbour tour at our Speakers and Sponsors Harbour Cruise the day before the big events. This is the perfect opportunity to connect and network with project speakers, leaders and event sponsors on an exclusive dinner environment.

27 September 2023
Wednesday 7:30AM - 4:00PM
MAJOR INDUSTRY CONFERENCE

The GEA Major Industry Conference, being held on Wednesday 27 September is the ideal environment for you and your organisation to hear first-hand what future projects existing industries have planned and the progress and development of several exciting new projects.

27 September 2023
Wednesday 6:30PM til late
INDUSTRY AWARDS NIGHT AND GALA DINNER

Join us at our annual Industry Awards and Gala Dinner. It's our community’s opportunity to celebrate the spirit of innovation, excellence and collaboration that was fostered within our highly competitive industry supply chain.

28 September 2023
Thursday 7:30AM - 4:00PM
ENERGY & MANUFACTURING CONFERENCE

Day two will shine the light on the emerging  renewable energy and clean manufacturing industry. Speakers will explain how Central Queensland is preparing to capitalise on this unique opportunity, what it means for CQ and the potential projects that could materialise as this industry develops.

28 September 2023
Thursday 4:00PM - 5.30PM
NETWORKING DRINKS

Join us for networking drinks as we conclude the official proceedings of the conference. This casual gathering provides a perfect opportunity to relax, mingle, and engage in stimulating conversations with fellow attendees, speakers, and industry experts. Don't miss out on this chance to unwind and extend your professional network.

EVENT TICKETS

MAJOR INDUSTRY AND ENERGY CONFERENCE TICKETS

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE LOGGED IN TO THE GEA PORTAL TO AVAIL MEMBER PRICING.
If you are unable to login, please contact info@gea.asn.au or call 07 4972 9060.

2-day GEA
member entry

$ 995
per person
  • MEMBER PRICE
  • 2-day entry
  • Morning tea
  • 2 lunches & 4 drinks
  • Tickets inclusive of GST
In-person

2-day Non-
member entry

$ 1,400
per person
  • NON-MEMBER PRICE
  • 2-day entry
  • Morning tea
  • 2 lunches & 4 drinks
  • Tickets inclusive of GST
In-person

1-day GEA
member entry

$ 575
per person
  • MEMBER PRICE
  • 1-day entry
  • Either day 1 or 2
  • Morning tea
  • 1 lunch & 2 drinks
  • Tickets inclusive of GST
In-person

1-day Non-
member entry

$ 775
per person
  • NON-MEMBER PRICE
  • 1 day entry
  • Either day 1 or 2
  • Morning tea
  • 1 lunch & 2 drinks
  • Tickets inclusive of GST
In-person

GEA INDUSTRY AWARDS & GALA DINNER only

GEA
Industry Awards
& Gala Dinner

$ 190
per person
  • 3 course meal
  • Drinks
  • Great entertainment
  • Tickets inclusive of GST

GEA
Industry Awards
& Gala Dinner

$ 1800
Table of 10
  • 3 course meal
  • Drinks
  • Great entertainment
  • Tickets inclusive of GST
TABLE

2022 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

Thursday 6 October 2022

TimeAgenda
07.30amRegistration opens
8.30AMWelcome from GEA & Aestec
8:40AMWelcome to Country
8.55AMDeputy Mayor Kahn Goodluck
9.10AMShay Chalmers - MC
09:20AMIan Macfarlane - Queensland Resource Council
9.40AMHugh Barbour - Gladstone Area Water Board
10:00AMMinister Lance McCallum
10:10AMMorning Tea / Networking
10:30AMJohn Abbott - Inter-Port Global
10:50AMTim McDougall - Rio Tinto
11.10AMJacqui Bridge - Powerlink
11.30AMEverald Compton - G2G Railway
12:00pmLunch / Networking
12:45PMRob Williamson - Alpha HPA
01.05PMRobert Sobrya - Construction Skills Queensland
01:25PM Mike Everton - Oceania Biofuels
01:45PMTimothy Davies - Fortescue Future Industries
02.05PMPanel Discussion
02.35PMProf. Grant Stanley - CQUniversity
03.00PMClose

Friday 7 October 2022

TimeAgenda
07.30amRegistration opens
8.30AMWelcome from GEA & Aestec
8:40AMPaul Hodgson
8.50AMMinister Glenn Butcher
9.10AMNathan Dunlop - Tritium
09:30AMAngela Heck - Next Economy
09.50AMMorning Tea / Networking
10:20AMRajeev Bhambari - Acciona
10:40AMRichard Jeffery - Stanwell
11:00AMLeigh Kennedy - NERA
11:20AMDan Raymond - Sunshine Hydro
11:40AMMaxime Forster - Neoen
12:00pmLunch / Networking
12:45PMAndrew Bills - CS Energy
01.05PMEmma Roberts - CS Energy
01:25PM Panel Discussion
01.55PMAndrew Hird - Honeywell
14.15pmKyle Russel - EDF
14.35PMAttilio Pigneri - H2U Hydrogen Utility
03.00PMClose

Major Industry, Energy and
Manufacturing Conference Presenters

Wednesday Day 1 Presenters

MC - Shay Chalmers

Manufacturing Industry Leader, Engineer & Speaker

Shay is one of Australia’s most renowned manufacturing industry experts, engineering consultants and keynote speakers. With cross-sector and global experience, she is a leader, mentor and change-maker at the forefront of innovative manufacturing solutions for Australian organisations.

Shay owns and directs Strategic Engineering Australia, offering consulting expertise across a wide range of manufacturing applications. Shay now sits on several Boards and Committees across the Private, Not-For-Profit and Government sector, including representing the Gold Coast on the Regional Development Australia Committee. Through these roles Shay can actively promote empowering Women in STEM from school level to the highest level in government.

Shay’s official organisational affiliations across Australia:

  • Chair | Queensland Reference Group (Manufacturing and Engineering Skills)

  • Chair | ARM Hub Advisory and Research Committee (AHARC)

  • Director | Strategic Engineering Australia Pty Ltd

  • Director | Turbine Sunshine Coast

  • Non-Executive Director | Queensland Manufacturing Institute

  • Advisory Board Member | Aim Lab Automation Technologies Pty Ltd

  • Advisory Board Member | Australian Cobotics Centre

  • Committee Member | Manufacturing Ministerial Council, Queensland State Government

  • Committee Member | Regional Development Australia (Gold Coast), Australian Federal Government

  • Program Manager | Australian American Leadership Dialogue

  • Qld Sector Lead Advanced Manufacturing and Materials | Office of the Chief Scientist – Qld Government

  • Partner | Ontogo

Ian Macfarlane

Queensland Resources Council

Ian Macfarlane is the Chief Executive of the Queensland Resources Council, a non-executive director of Woodside Petroleum, Chairman of the Innovative Manufacturing Co-operative Research Centre, a board member of both CSIRO and of TSBE, a member of the UQ Rural Clinical School Toowoomba Community Advisory Committee, an Honorary Fellow of AusIMM Minerals Institute, and a Fellow of the AICD.

Ian was elected to Federal Parliament in 1998 and retired in 2016. He is Australia’s longest serving Federal Resources and Energy Minister and the Coalition’s longest serving Federal Industry and Innovation Minister.

Ian has farmed peanuts, sorghum and wheat, and ran cattle in Queensland's Burnett region. He was President of the Queensland Graingrowers Association, President of the Grains Council of Australia and held executive positions on the Queensland and National Farmers' Federations.

Ian is married to Karen with two adult daughters and resides in Toowoomba.

Darren Barlow

Gladstone Area Water Board

Darren joined GAWB as Chief Executive Officer in March 2018. Darren has extensive leadership and executive experience, having held senior roles in commercial, financial, strategic and business transformation areas across the public and private sectors. Darren was previously the Chief Executive Officer of the Residential Tenancies Authority and has held a range of senior executive positions at Aurizon, Master Builders Association of Queensland and Ergon Energy.

John Abbott AM

Inter-Port Global

Mr Abbott is an experienced Company Director of both Australian and Asian companies. He is currently the Chancellor of the University is Chair of the University Council. He has also the Deputy Chairman of the Regional Development Australia (Central and Western Queensland) board, A board member of the Central Queensland Hospital and Health Board, Chairman of Queensland Pacific Metals Pty Ltd,  Chairman of Queensland Wool Processors Pty Ltd, and the Group Chairman of Inter-Port Global Group of Companies.

Mr Abbott is also an experienced executive with over 45 years of experience in all aspects of company management and governance in a wide range of industries.  This experience includes Executive roles in operations and maintenance; project development (including Government negotiations and approvals); engineering design and executing large capital projects.  He has been extensively involved in both the energy sector and the Mineral processing industry in Australia and South East Asia. 

Hugh Barbour

Gladstone Area Water Board

Jarrod Irving

Australian Gas Infrastructure Group

Jane Wilson

Australian Gas Infrastructure Group

Craig Haymes

Gladstone Ports Corporation

Leisa Dowling

Gladstone Regional Council

Matthew Cooke

FNCCI (First Nations Chamber of Commerce & Industry)

Minister Butcher

Glenn Butcher MP

Kim Hetherington

Construction Skills Queensland

Lance McCallum

Assistant Minister for Hydrogen Development and the 50% Renewable Energy Target by 2030

Lance is the Member for Bundamba in the Queensland Parliament, where he is proud to be one of three serving First Nations Members.


He is also proud to the Assistant Minister for Hydrogen Development and the 50% Renewable Energy Target by 2030.


Lance is a committed advocate for social justice and equity of opportunity for secure jobs, health, education, essential services and public services as part of a sustainable future for all.


He holds a master’s degree in Climate Policy and Sustainability.

Tim McDougall

Rio Tinto

Tim McDougall recently joined Rio Tinto’s Pacific Operations as General Manager, Gladstone Refinery Decarbonisation. His role focuses on decarbonising our supply chain and reducing scope 1 and 2 emissions from our Gladstone refineries. Tim is leading a new Gladstone Refinery Decarbonisation team, overseeing our Tier 1 decarbonisation initiatives including implementation of hydrogen calcination technology at Yarwun.

 

A born and bred Queenslander, Tim has most recently worked in Iron Ore in Western Australia, as General Manager, Dampier Ports and Marine Operations. He brings extensive experience to Pacific Operations, having started with Rio Tinto in 2002 as a graduate mechanical engineer.

Tim holds a Bachelor of Engineering, Mechanical qualification, with First Class Honors and Post Graduate qualifications in Maintenance Management and Frontline Management. He is also a graduate of AICD and Non-Executive Director on the board of Rightship.

 

 

 

 

 

Jacqui Bridge

Powerlink Queensland

Jacqui is a strategic energy sector leader and has a detailed understanding of the electricity supply chain, regulation and energy markets to drive the development of Queensland’s energy transformation. As Executive General Manager Energy Futures, at Powerlink Queensland, Jacqui is responsible for Powerlink’s corporate strategy, network regulation, energy markets and energy policy functions.

During her career Jacqui has held senior leadership roles in electricity distribution and transmission network and global consulting businesses. Jacqui has worked with electricity, gas and water utilities throughout the Australia Pacific region across mergers and acquisitions, strategic advisory, renewable energy, asset management, regulation, governance and compliance practice areas. 

Jacqui engages with a range of stakeholders to understand customer needs and influence the development of policy and regulatory frameworks to drive the transformation to a renewable energy future.

Everald Compton

Gladstone to Goondiwindi Railway

EVERALD COMPTON AO

Chair, Gladstone Goondiwindi Railway Pty Ltd

Founder of Inland Railway, Melbourne/Darwin.

Founder of National Seniors Australia

Adjunct Professor, University of Queensland

Senior Fellow, University of Sunshine Coast

Certified Practicing Accountant

Certified Practicing Marketer

Officer of the Order of Australia AO

Lifetime Elder, Uniting Church in Australia

Author, The Man on the Twenty Dollar Notes, Dinner with the Founding Fathers, A Beautiful Sunset

Robert Sobyra

Construction Skills Queensland

Robert Sobyra is Director, Research & Digital with Construction Skills Queensland. Responsible for driving CSQ’s research agenda, Robert is a leading thinker at the intersection of construction and skills.

He writes and talks regularly on all things economic, construction and workforce. Robert is also a postgraduate researcher at the University of Queensland with a special interest in regional economic growth.

 

Rob Williams

Alpha HPA

Rob is Chief Operating Officer for Alpha HPA Limited, an ASX listed company, bringing High Purity Aluminium chemicals technology to Gladstone for commercialisation.

As a Mechanical Engineer, Rob brings a wealth of experience in mining/ smelting/ refining and plant operations to the HPA project in Gladstone.

Michael Everton

Oceania Biofuels

Michael Everton, Chief Executive Officer Oceania Biofuels has 25+  Years’ experience in the biofuels industry in the U.S., Europe and Asia. Developed and constructed biofuels plants worldwide. Experienced executive with over a decade in the procurement of low carbon feedstock and the sales of biofuels.

Timothy Davies

Fortesque Future Industries

Tim joined Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) in 2022, to develop a pipeline of green energy projects in Central Queensland.

Tim previously held roles in the oil and gas industry, including the design, commissioning, and operation of large gas plants, water treatment plants and pipelines. During his time in oil and gas, Tim transitioned into the commercial team managing business performance involved in capital allocation, strategy, treasury, and joint venture management. FFI is a global green energy company committed to producing zero-carbon green hydrogen from 100 per cent renewable sources.

Prof. Grant Stanley

CQUniversity

Professor Stanley arrived at CQUniversity Australia in 2010 as the Dean of Medical and Applied Sciences and is currently the Vice-President, Research. Grant holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from the University of Melbourne and has a background in Applied Microbiology/Biochemical Engineering, with research interests in biofuels, especially the production of second generation bioethanol.

He has experience in researching and teaching microbial metabolism, fermentation systems, bioreactor design and bioremediation. He has published more than 110 refereed and non-refereed papers, one international patent, has received a number of Category 1 funding grants and supervised 16 PhD students to completion.

Professor Stanley has been on the organising committee of a number of national and international conferences, an Associate Editor of the journal 'Biotechnology for Biofuels', has been a Director on the Rail Manufacturing CRC Board and a member of the Queensland Expert Advisory Panel.

Prof. Grant Stanley

CQUniversity

Professor Stanley arrived at CQUniversity Australia in 2010 as the Dean of Medical and Applied Sciences and is currently the Vice-President, Research. Grant holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from the University of Melbourne and has a background in Applied Microbiology/Biochemical Engineering, with research interests in biofuels, especially the production of second generation bioethanol.

He has experience in researching and teaching microbial metabolism, fermentation systems, bioreactor design and bioremediation. He has published more than 110 refereed and non-refereed papers, one international patent, has received a number of Category 1 funding grants and supervised 16 PhD students to completion.

Professor Stanley has been on the organising committee of a number of national and international conferences, an Associate Editor of the journal 'Biotechnology for Biofuels', has been a Director on the Rail Manufacturing CRC Board and a member of the Queensland Expert Advisory Panel.

Major Industry, Energy
and Manufacturing Conference Presenters

Thursday Day 2 Presenters

Peter Woodall

Stanwell Corporation

Steve Clark

Stanwell Corporation

Ian Macfarlane

Queensland Resources Council

Mike Kilcullen

Fortescue Future Industries

David Voss

Gladstone Industry Leadership Group

Amanda Rebar

Central Queensland University

Brian Inglis

Inglis Puckeridge

SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

Proudly Presented by

Following the GEA Major Industry, Energy and Manufacturing Conference will be the 20th GEA Industry Awards and Gala Dinner and 20 year celebration, Central Queensland’s industry supply chain’s night of nights, presented by Aestec Services.

We invite business leaders and partners to come together to recognise and celebrate the spirit of excellence that is fostered in our highly-skilled industry supply chain. 

What delegates said

Queensland Energy Resources

The Major Industry Conference is an excellent opportunity to get updated on projects planned for CQ, and network with local business and industry representatives. Both the conference and the Gala Dinner & Industry Awards Night were informative and enjoyable.

Nilsen

A valuable insight into the engine room of Queensland. GEA provides industry with a relevant conduit to government and policy makers.

Australian Future Energy

A great experience as always, with great presentations and great opportunities to network with other suppliers.

Siemens Ltd

I was able to attend the 2019 Major Industry Conferfence after unfortunately missing out last year. The conference reminded me why I have attended this event so many times in the past. Great caliber and management level of presenters, knowledge and very approachable regarding upcoming project

Brand Industrial Services

Overall a very well organised event with great networking opportunities. The speakers were ineresting and informative, as well as the MC Dr Keith Suter. Catering for the day was very good too. The Gala Dinner & Industry Awards Night was a good, social event, and a chance to liaise with businesses in a more relaxed environment.

Ausgroup Kentech JV

Highly recommend the GEA Major Industry Conference and Gala Dinner & Industry Awards Night. Fantastic opportunity to hear about major projects and talk to major stakeholders all in the one place. The Gala Dinner also faciliated great social interactions as well.

Gladstone Area Promotions Development Ltd

The GEA Major Industry Conference has been the gold standard for industry events in Central Queensland for 16 years, and I see no reason why this will not continue well into the future. Well done to everyone involved in the day - speakers, sponsors and the GEA Team - you’re a credit to the Gladstone Region community.

2022 CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

The nineteenth annual GEA Major Industry and Energy Conference, presented by Aestec Services delivered on expectations. Providing connections, conversations and planning opportunities in the region. 

Held in Gladstone, the gateway to Central Queensland’s Industrial and renewable energy sector, the conference provided an opportunity to gain an insight into where industry is heading and the available opportunities in the renewables transition.

Day one started with, Assistant Minister for Hydrogen Development and the 50% Renewable Energy Target by 2030, Lance McCallum announcing publicly owned CS Energy is partnering with the GEA on an innovative project to map the capability of local suppliers to work on new wind energy developments in CQ. This set the pace for the day, with a stellar line up of presenters that followed including Rio Tinto, Gladstone Area Water Board, Powerlink, Inter-Port Global, Alpha HPA and Fortescue Future Industries. All presenting on their current projects and showcasing the promising future in new and existing industry for the region. Informative presentations from Queensland Resource Council, Gladstone Goondiwindi Railway, Construction Skills Queensland and CQU talked skilling and the journey that will need to be undertaken to support the projects ahead.

On day two delegates were welcomed by Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water, Hon. Glenn Butcher. Minister Butcher discussed the newly released Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan and the exciting developments that will flow from that plan, including the large percentage of manufacturing that will take place directly in Queensland. Updates were also provided from a consortium of developed industries in the energy sector; Tritium discussed their developments in electric fast charges, Honeywell as process automation leaders, Neon discussed renewable energy and storage projects and Sunshine Hydro presented their operational technology for the proposed Miriam Vale development. H2U Hydrogen Utility, Stanwell, Nera and so many more took the stage and completed the information download on energy for day two.

GEA thanks all those that attended and contributed via presentations, sponsorships or conversations over the two-days of conference connectivity, we hope to see you at the next one, if not before!

2022 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

2022 Event Photos

Looking for 2023 Industry Awards information?