Home to gas export terminals, refineries and an aluminium smelter, the region is already an energy powerhouse in coal and gas but is also home to significant renewable energy resources. 

"We have long-term hydrogen potential and existing energy-intensive industries which are looking to switch to renewable energy supply," Mr Butcher said. 

The state government is committed to reaching 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030.

"There are plenty of opportunities in our region and we want to make sure that we get it right," he said.

He encouraged Indigenous organisations to get involved in the Department of Energy and Public Works consultation on a new partnerships framework.

"The transformation will also see significant infrastructure investment across the state, and it will be crucial to engage early and often with First Nations peoples and Native Title representative bodies," Mr Butcher said.

This will ensure that cultural values of the land are respected and maintained, and to enable training and job opportunities, he said.

Almost 70 projects totalling more than $39 billion registered an interest in the Central Queensland Renewable Energy Zone, across solar, wind, bioenergy, and energy storage. 

There is also growing interest in Gladstone for its potential in renewable manufacturing opportunities, especially hydrogen, ammonia and aluminium, he said.

The developers of the $500 million Aldoga solar farm, located 25km north-west of Gladstone in Central Queensland, are among those drawing Indigenous enterprises into the network of suppliers of goods, services and equipment.

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