A Real Deal for Gladstone: Community Listening Report to Shape Economic and Social Transition

This report outline’s findings of a listening campaign run by the Real Deal’s place-based research project with the Queensland Community Alliance. It identifies three pillars for that agenda, access to quality healthcare, housing and overall liverability.

Citation:

Ganley, E., McCosker, J. Wright, J., Tattersall, A., Duffy, K., Bennett, J., Tony, A., Moore, K. (2023). “A Real Deal for Gladstone: Community Listening Report to Shape Economic and Social Transition.” Sydney Policy Lab, The University of Sydney (July 2023).

60 second summary

Inspired by the global Green New Deal, the Real Deal project is an unusual and diverse
alliance of faith, climate, union and community groups across Australia, supported by a
network of researchers convened by the Sydney Policy Lab at the University of Sydney. It
comprises a national coalition and place-based projects in Gladstone, Geelong and Western
Sydney that are united by common commitment to a community-led relationship between
market, state and civil society that works for people, community and the environment: a
Real Deal. In Gladstone the place-based Real Deal project is convened and coordinated by
the Queensland Community Alliance.

Though fossil fuels are central to Gladstone’s historical and current local economy, the
share of fossil fuels in the global energy mix is declining. Gladstone’s future is at the heart
of Australia’s climate commitments. Decarbonising the region’s alumina industry and coal
exports will be vital to achieving national net zero targets, yet the community is wary of
the challenges associated with “boom and bust” industrial cycles. This Community Report
presents the findings of a six-month “Listening Campaign” on Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng
Gooreng and Taribelang Bunda Country in Gladstone. People led 316 conversations about
the community’s concerns and aspirations in response to the pressures and opportunities
posed by the economic transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

The Listening Campaign revealed three essential pillars of a Real Deal for Gladstone:
healthcare, housing and liveability. There was a widespread recognition that if Gladstone
is to become a stronger community, then these challenges need to be addressed as part
of Gladstone’s broader economic, energy and social transition. This Community Report
canvasses potential policy solutions identified by local community organisations that
suggest concrete ways to achieve this.