Connecting Industry

21/10/2026

A great start to two days of industry conversations at the 2026 Gladstone Engineering Alliance Major Industry, Energy and Manufacturing Conference in Gladstone, with Connecting Industry proud to be an Event Partner.

The morning began with the pre-conference Central to Defence event, featuring John McAffery, Defence Industry Advisor with the Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS).

One of the most engaging discussions was around how businesses can prepare themselves to enter the Defence supply chain.

For established suppliers across engineering, manufacturing, construction and resources, there are opportunities to apply existing capabilities in new markets. But understanding procurement requirements, building business readiness and knowing where your business fits within the Defence supply chain are important first steps.

Plenty of food for thought for businesses considering Defence as part of their future growth plans.

The main conference then got underway with an opening from Patrick Hastings, CEO of Gladstone Engineering Alliance, followed by Session One, Australia's Industrial Moment.

With major industrial investment, energy projects, manufacturing capability and supply chain competitiveness on the agenda, there's plenty to discuss about the future of industry and what it will take to turn investment announcements into opportunities for businesses.

Looking forward to further presentations, insights and conversations throughout today, followed by tonight's GEA Industry Awards Gala Dinner, celebrating the achievements of Central Queensland's industrial businesses and people.

Then back tomorrow for day two of the conference and more conversations about the opportunities and challenges shaping our industrial future.

Connecting Industry is proud to partner with Gladstone Engineering Alliance in supporting an event that brings industry together, encourages meaningful conversations and strengthens connections across the supply chain.

Congratulations to Patrick and the GEA team on bringing together another important industry event.

15/10/2026

New ownership signals future investment and development at Gregory Crinum coal mine.

New investment, mine development and potential workforce expansion are on the horizon for the Gregory Crinum metallurgical coal operation in the Bowen Basin, following an agreement for Gemini Gregory Crinum to acquire the mine from Sojitz Corporation.

Located approximately 60 km north-east of Emerald, the operation has substantial existing mining infrastructure and undeveloped coal resources. The new owner is planning a staged transition over several years towards a long-term operating configuration, potentially creating future requirements across mining services, engineering, civil works, equipment, maintenance and supporting contractors.

Gemini Gregory Crinum intends to invest in the operation’s long-term development and expand its workforce. The company will work with existing employees, contractors, local businesses and government agencies during the ownership transition, with completion of the acquisition still subject to outstanding conditions.

For the Bowen Basin supply chain, the key developments to watch will be Gemini’s future mine development plans, investment priorities, contractor requirements and workforce expansion as the new ownership structure takes shape. Specific new procurement packages and construction timelines have not yet been announced.

14/10/2026

What really makes a business stand out when competing for major project work? Technical capability, experience and a strong track record will always matter, but I believe there's another quality becoming increasingly important: understanding what it takes for a project to succeed beyond the actual construction work.

Connecting Industry Director Kieran Moran explored this in the July edition of Get Connected Industry Insights, and we thought it was worth sharing more broadly as the conversation remains just as relevant today.

Being capable of delivering the work is one thing. Understanding what it takes to make the project possible could be what sets your business apart.

We'd be interested to hear what others are seeing across industry.

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What really makes a business stand out when competing for major project work? Technical capability, experience and a strong track record will always matter, but I believe there's another quality becoming increasingly important: understanding what it takes for a project to succeed beyond the actual c...

12/10/2026

Construction to commence on $400 MW Teebar battery project as major contractors appointed

Construction is set to commence this month on Queensland’s 400 MW / 1,600 MWh Teebar Battery Energy Storage System, with major contracts awarded for civil works, electrical infrastructure, battery supply and grid connection. Located approximately 60 km west of Maryborough, the project will generate construction activity and opportunities for Queensland contractors, suppliers and service providers.

Enerven has been appointed engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, responsible for site preparation, local road upgrades, construction facilities, battery integration, a new 275 kV substation and approximately 300 metres of overhead transmission lines. The appointment marks Enerven’s first major Queensland project, with mobilisation scheduled for October 2026.

Battery supplier Valo will deliver its GridSolve Quantum2 energy storage system and associated control software, alongside long-term maintenance, monitoring and operational support services. With the principal delivery partners now appointed, attention turns to construction mobilisation and the subcontracting, equipment, workforce, transport and supporting services required throughout the delivery program.

Developed by Atmos Renewables and supported by the Australian Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme, Teebar BESS is targeting commercial operation in late 2028. A construction commencement ceremony is scheduled for 20 October, marking the transition from project development into on-site delivery.

11/10/2026

What's happening across Australia's uranium sector, and what could the future hold for Queensland?

The Connecting Uranium Forum Queensland brings together explorers, investors, industry leaders and the broader resources, construction, energy and supply chain sectors.

Hear from:
🎤 Guy Keller – Tribeca
🎤 Pete Moorhouse – Basin Energy (ASX:BSN)
🎤 Alex Cheeseman – Greenvale Energy Ltd
🎤 Nicholas Huffels – Mount Isa Minerals Limited
🎤 Lloyd Jones – Laramide Resources Ltd
🎤 Robbie Katter MP – Member for Traeger
🎤 Warren Pearce – AMEC (Association of Mining and Exploration Companies)

Beyond the presentations, its an opportunity to meet the people involved, exchange ideas and build valuable industry relationships.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE:https://www.connectingindustry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Connecting-Uranium-Forum-Queensland-Prospectus.pdf
Want to position your business in front of this industry audience? Lets discuss your objectives and develop a partnership that delivers value for your organisation.

Register: https://www.connectingindustry.com.au/connecting-uranium-forum-queensland/

Sponsorship enquiries: 0438 146 819

07/10/2026

Yesterday, we welcomed businesses from across Queensland to our October Connecting Industry Luncheon, featuring Squadron Energy.

A big thank you to Andy Devene, Pre-Contract EPC Manager at Squadron Energy, for sharing insights into the company's renewable energy project pipeline, including Clarke Creek Wind Farm Stage 2, and what lies ahead for industry and the supply chain.

We also introduced something a little different with THE SUPPLY CHAIN CONVERSATION – Challenges. Solutions. Connections. An opportunity to hear directly from industry, discuss the challenges businesses are experiencing and explore how we can work together to find solutions.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the conversation and helped make it such a valuable part of the afternoon.

Our thanks also go to Cater Care Group, our Event Partner, and Arnaud Van Der Burgt for sharing insights into the company's operations and capabilities, along with our Supporting Partner, Queensland Drilling & Blasting Services.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who attended. It's the people in the room, the conversations taking place and the relationships being built that continue to make these events worthwhile.

We appreciate your ongoing support of Connecting Industry and look forward to welcoming you to the Connecting Uranium Forum Queensland on 25 November: https://www.connectingindustry.com.au/connecting-uranium-forum-queensland/

Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners: Queensland Drilling & Blasting Services, Industry Capability Network, Jobs in Central Queensland, Vertical Horizonz Australia, Cater Care Careers, SCA, Corporate Protection Australia, Homeground Villages Gladstone, Central Apartment Group, and Gladstone Regional Council.

06/10/2026

A good crowd at Ward's Brewery last night for our Industry Connections Networking Drinks, held ahead of today's Connecting Industry Luncheon.

These nights are deliberately simple. Get people together, create an opportunity to meet before the main event and give industry more time to build connections and conversations.

It was great to see plenty of familiar faces along with some new ones, with businesses from across the supply chain making the most of the opportunity to connect.

Today we continue those conversations at the Connecting Industry Luncheon, with Squadron Energy presenting on its Queensland activities and what lies ahead.

Thanks to everyone who joined us at Ward's Brewery last night.

Thanks to our Sponsors and Partners: Queensland Drilling & Blasting Services, Industry Capability Network, Jobs in Central Queensland, Vertical Horizonz Australia, Cater Care Careers, SCA, Corporate Protection Australia, Homeground Villages Gladstone, Central Apartment Group, and Gladstone Regional Council.

02/10/2026

A 400 MW / 1,600 MWh battery project on Queensland’s Fraser Coast has reached financial close, moving Teebar BESS closer to construction and putting future procurement and contracting opportunities firmly on the supply chain radar.

Atmos Renewables will develop the four-hour battery beside Powerlink Queensland’s Teebar Creek substation, with the project requiring capability across civil and electrical construction, site works, grid connection, equipment installation, transport and logistics, workforce and supporting services.

Financial close is an important step towards delivery, with financing, grid access and key commercial arrangements coming together before projects progress into construction and procurement.

Teebar BESS is supported through the Australian Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme and forms part of Atmos’ growing Australian portfolio of wind, solar and energy storage projects.

Atmos will retain ownership of the project through construction and operate the facility once complete.

For Queensland’s supply chain, the next steps to watch will be the project’s delivery strategy, contractor appointments and when procurement packages begin coming to market.

30/09/2026

There is a big difference between knowing a project is coming and understanding how your business can position itself to be part of it.

At the Connecting Industry Luncheon next Wednesday, 7 October, Squadron Energy’s Andy Devene will talk directly about what matters to businesses looking to participate in major project supply chains.

That includes how Squadron approaches procurement, what they look for from suppliers, supplier readiness, local participation and lessons from previous projects.

Squadron Energy has a significant Queensland project pipeline, including Clarke Creek Wind Farm Stage 2 and the Bungaban Wind Energy Project.

But this luncheon isn't simply about hearing another project update.

It is an opportunity to better understand how a major project proponent approaches its supply chain, ask questions and meet the people and businesses involved in delivering major projects.

If your business wants to work across Queensland's major project supply chain, this is a conversation worth being in and with only a couple of tables left, now is the time to purchase your ticket to your next opportunity.

To purchase tickets, connect here: https://lnkd.in/gSDQSN2X

30/09/2026

This is a significant project for the Queensland construction supply chain, with more than $1.2 billion in investment and major construction now moving forward. With Monadelphous progressing the main construction works, the opportunity for contractors and suppliers will be in the procurement and subcontracting activity that follows. For businesses looking to participate, understanding how those packages will be delivered and where opportunities sit within the broader supply chain will be important over the next few years............................................
APA Group has finalised agreements with CS Energy to take an 80 per cent stake in the $1.269 billion Brigalow Peaking Power Plant near Chinchilla. APA will contribute approximately $1.015 billion and lead project delivery under a construction management agreement, with the 400MW gas-fired facility targeted for completion in early 2029.

With early works complete, the project is now moving further into its major construction phase. GE Vernova is delivering the gas turbines, while Monadelphous has secured the Balance of Plant contract and is progressing the main construction works. The scale of the project and Monadelphous contract points to a significant construction program over the coming years.

For the Queensland supply chain, attention will increasingly turn to how procurement and subcontracting opportunities flow from the major delivery packages. A project of this size is expected to generate considerable demand for contractors, suppliers and service providers throughout construction, making Brigalow an important project for businesses to monitor as procurement progresses and further packages enter the market.

Courtesy of Industry Queensland.

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APA Group has finalised agreements with CS Energy to acquire a majority ownership stake in the Brigalow Peaking Power Plant, being developed at an expected cost of $1.269 billion. APA will own 80 per cent of the project, contributing about $1.015 billion, and will lead delivery under a construction....