Townsville Enterprise has unveiled a powerhouse line-up of national ministers, global aviation leaders and renewable energy executives for the 2026 Secure the Future: Green Energy Forum.
The calibre of speakers assembled further cements north Queensland’s position at the centre of Australia’s green energy transformation.
Held from March 16–18, the forum will bring together the key decision-makers shaping policy, directing capital and progressing major projects across the sector.
Townsville Enterprise chief executive officer Claudia Brumme said the depth of expertise secured for the forum reflects the scale of opportunity emerging across the region.
“Australia’s renewables energy future is happening now – and it’s happening in north Queensland – with biofuels, wind and solar opportunities on our doorstep,” Brumme said.
“This year’s Secure the Future: Green Energy Forum is bringing together leaders who are doing much more than watching our energy transition, they are actively delivering it.
“From political leaders like the Queensland Treasurer and Energy Minister, to global brands such as Airbus, Qantas, ARENA and Jet Zero, this year’s program will deep dive into topics like the bio-fuel boom, wind investment and government strategy.”
As major projects accelerate across the region, the Green Energy Forum provides a rare opportunity to hear directly from the leaders responsible for turning policy and investment into real-world outcomes.
Queensland Renewable Energy Council chair and CopperString founder Joseph O’Brien said the forum comes at a pivotal time for Queensland’s industrial competitiveness, transmission and renewable infrastructure development.
“Queensland is entering a critical phase of electricity infrastructure and renewable generation expansion, where enabling infrastructure and coordinated planning will determine how quickly we can unlock private investment and strengthen our economy,” he said.
“Forums like Townsville Enterprise’s Green Energy Forum bring together the policy, industry and project leaders who can turn ambition into delivery, and northern Queensland has a central role to play in that next chapter.”
The 2026 Secure the Future: Green Energy Forum will examine sustainable aviation fuel, biofuel export markets, transmission infrastructure, environmental reform, wind development and workforce capability, aligning with major projects advancing across the region.
The program will feature:
Nita Green, Assistant Minister for Northern Australia, Tourism and Pacific Affairs, addressing Australia’s national energy priorities
David Janetzki, Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Energy, outlining what Queensland’s energy plan means for North Queensland
Edward Mason, Jet Zero Australia, delivering the keynote on building Australia’s sustainable aviation fuel industry
Stephen Forshaw, Airbus chief representative Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific
Fiona Messent, chief sustainability officer, Qantas
Marianna O’Gorman, deputy chair of ARENA, on accelerating clean energy investment
Associate Professor Dr Joel Gilmore, general manager – regulation and energy policy, Iberdrola Australia
Joseph O’Brien, chair, Queensland Renewable Energy Council
Senior leaders from Windlab, MMG, NGH, On Common Country, Energy Skills Queensland and TAFE
With a speaker line-up spanning government, global aviation leaders and major renewable energy developers, the forum is set to highlight north Queensland’s growing influence in shaping Australia’s clean energy future.
Learn more about the event here.
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