Growing Stronger Together: Council Backs Investment in Jobs and Regional Growth
Cassowary Coast Regional Council has taken a significant step towards securing long-term economic and job opportunities for the region by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Silica Resources Australia (SRA). This agreement, which comes at no financial cost to ratepayers, supports local employment, strengthens regional infrastructure, and attracts responsible investment.
The Silica Resources Australia project embodies the region’s Growing Stronger Together 2033 Economic Development Strategy which focuses on increasing Gross Regional Product, Creating Local Jobs and fostering sustainable population growth.
"This MOU is a crucial step in positioning the Cassowary Coast as a key player in Queensland’s critical minerals and logistics sectors" said Mayor Teresa Millwood.
" We are planning for the future—ensuring that our region remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family for generations to come. This partnership with Silica Resources Australia is about delivering opportunities that will support local businesses, create stable jobs, and enhance infrastructure while preserving the lifestyle and environment that make our region unique."
The project is expected to generate approximately 180 jobs during construction, with ongoing roles to follow. Councillor Renee McLeod emphasised that improved infrastructure will help local businesses thrive, attract further investment, and strengthen the local economy, creating lasting benefits for future generations.
"This is about building a strong, resilient economy that supports not just our current workforce, but also the young people who will be looking for opportunities in the years ahead. We want to make sure that our children and grandchildren can find good jobs here at home, rather than needing to move away," Councillor McLeod said.
“Silica Resources Australia, a 100% Australian owned company, is proud to be partnering with Cassowary Coast Regional Council to enhance regional infrastructure. These improvements will not only benefit SRA but, the existing industries in the Cassowary Coast region and will help to attract new industries to the area and boost the local economy,” said SRA CEO and Managing Director Rob Tindall.
“SRA plans to implement on-shore beneficiation, where we not only extract the silica, but we also process as much of the product as we can locally, before exporting. By doing this, we will increase the amount of local jobs created by the project. The site of the deposit at Kurrimine Beach has been used for building and construction sand for decades.
“Silicon, which is made from silica, is on the Australian Government’s critical minerals list and high-purity, fine deposits are globally in high demand. Silica is vital for the global green energy transition and technological innovations. The high-purity sand can be used in solar panels, smartphones and semi-conductors,” said Mr Tindall.
The Council remains committed to ensuring that economic growth benefits the entire community while staying true to the region’s environmental values. By working with responsible industry partners, this initiative contributes to the long-term vision of a thriving, sustainable Cassowary Coast.
For further information contact Council at 1300 763 903 or email enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.
For more information on Silica Resources Australia visit silicaresources.com.au
Image provided by Silica Resources Australia.