The Queensland Renewable Energy Council (QREC) has reaffirmed the renewable energy sector’s commitment to working with the Queensland Government to strengthen investment certainty and deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity.
New planning rules under the Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 for wind and solar farms passed by State Parliament last night introduce social impact assessments (SIAs) and community benefit agreements (CBAs) as preconditions before proponents can even lodge a development application.
QREC Chief Executive Officer Katie-Anne Mulder said that while the sector is ready to work within the new framework, there remain unresolved issues that require further attention if Queensland is to maintain momentum and credibility in its energy transformation.
“Renewable energy continues to offer Queensland an enormous opportunity for long-term energy security, cost of living relief, and economic development in regional areas,” Ms Mulder said.
“However, the sequencing of these new requirements—particularly mandating community benefit agreements and social impact assessments prior to any development application—risks creating unnecessary barriers, delays and uncertainty for investors and communities alike.”
“QREC has always advocated for early and transparent engagement with local communities, but these mechanisms must be implemented in a way that is workable, consistent across all large scale development, and aligned with Queensland’s broader energy transition goals.”
Ms Mulder welcomed the Government’s recent decision to allow several previously paused projects to proceed under the revised wind farm code, calling it a positive signal of pragmatism and recognition of the sector’s contribution.
“We also acknowledge Energy Minister David Janetzki’s efforts to bring greater clarity to the sector and his commitment to a collaborative approach—particularly through the forthcoming five-year Queensland Energy Roadmap and the Queensland Productivity Commission’s review of energy and emissions policy settings,” she said.
“Yet the transitional arrangements present challenges for projects already well advanced in development planning, and we’ll be working closely with the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning to help shape the supporting guidelines and tools to give practical effect to the legislation.”
“Above all, QREC reaffirms its commitment to responsible development and to building a renewable energy future that is community-backed, economically resilient, and globally competitive,” she said.
As Queensland’s only renewable peak industry body, Queensland Renewable Energy Council (QREC) represents stakeholders across solar, wind, pumped hydro, electricity transmission, battery storage, and renewable fuels. QREC collaborates with industry, communities, and all levels of government to drive the growth of Queensland’s renewable energy sector.
For media enquires, please contact 0401 736 273