The Queensland Renewable Energy Council (QREC) will work with the next State Government, community and industry partners to shape the regulatory approach to accelerate clean energy investment, maximise community benefit and manage impacts.

QREC Chief Executive Officer Katie-Anne Mulder said the draft regulatory framework, revised Wind Farm Code and outcomes of the Callide Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Readiness Assessment prior to the election had responded to many issues raised by industry and in QREC’s own engagement with councils and industry partners.

Ms Mulder said the Queensland Government had released a draft Renewables Regulatory Framework for comment until 6 December, beyond the State election on 26 October.

“QREC and its members will use the caretaker mode to review the proposed regulatory framework and work with the incoming Government to shape the approach after the State election,” she said.

“QREC has worked closely with the Government, local councils and agricultural industry representatives to provide input into the proposed regulatory approaches.”

“It is critical that any regulation is workable; it encourages investment and employment, while managing sustainable development and working alongside agriculture and other land uses.”

Ms Mulder said the key considerations for the regulatory approach is the way it addresses:

  • the need for consistent and effective processes, including timely assessments
  • a universal processes between different technologies, such as solar and battery energy storage systems compared with wind and pumped hydro
  • a clear benchmark for local government and community consultation processes, particularly, and including, notification of development.

Ms Mulder said QREC had also urged the Government for greater transparency through improved mapping and development assessment processes that ensure community participation as well as a standardised approach for decommissioning.

“QREC had championed the GasFields Commission’s mandate to be expanded to include renewable energy and re-established as Coexistence Queensland as well as an expanded role for the Queensland Energy and Water Ombudsman,” Ms Mulder said.

Click here to view the Draft Renewables Regulatory Framework – Discussion Paper

Click here to view the QREC Election Policy Agenda