The Gladstone Centre for Clean Coal (GC3) is needing sponsorship from Central Queensland coal producers and users to maintain its important information service for industry and community in 2005.

CQU's Co-Chair for GC3 Dr Colin Greensill said it was important to keep this vital service alive with the help of the Central Queensland community.

"Coal is not only fundamentally important to Australia’s economy, but it will provide clean and innovative energy solutions for many years to come," Dr Greensill explained.

"For this reason we believe it is important to actively disseminate information on coal and the fact that it is a sustainable and viable fuel for the future.".

GC3 was set up as a collaborative venture by the Gladstone Port Authority, NRG and Central Queensland University in 2002.

Based at the PELM Centre at Central Queensland University Gladstone it has been the Centre's mission to continue to enhance and improve the current public perception of coal; promote coal as a suitable energy source; and facilitate access to the latest information on Clean Coal technologies.

"We have been achieving our goals through a high-quality web presence, community-based newsletters, monitoring cyber space for new coal-related research links and conference schedules, providing an interactive site for school students and organising community-based field day and conferences.".

Dr Greensill said in order to continue the work at the Centre they were requesting pledges of $3000 from local organisations and industries.

Participants in the appeal will be acknowledged as a sponsor of the GC3 and will receive regular newsletters and web-based information on Clean Coal technologies.

For further information contact Colin Greensill on 4930 9895 or c.greensill@cqu.edu.au