The Queensland Renewable Energy Council (QREC) has welcomed growing momentum among Queensland councils to implement Community Benefit Agreement policies and enter into agreements with renewable energy developers.
QREC Chief Executive Officer Katie-Anne Mulder said the signing of a Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) between RWE and Cassowary Coast Regional Council for the Tully Battery Energy Storage System demonstrated that the new framework was beginning to deliver practical outcomes for host communities.
“Community Benefit Agreements are about making sure renewable energy and energy storage projects deliver lasting local value, not just electricity,” Ms Mulder said.
The Tully agreement follows recent Community Benefit Agreements for a wind farm in the Western Downs at the Goombi Renewable Energy Hub, as well as solar and energy storage agreements in the Gladstone region, including Wooderson Solar Farm.
“Queensland is now seeing Community Benefit Agreements move from policy into practice,” Ms Mulder said.
“From wind, solar and battery projects, councils and developers are building the partnerships needed to give communities confidence that projects will leave a positive legacy.”
Ms Mulder said more than 10 Queensland councils had now implemented CBA policies, with Central Highlands Regional Council the latest to unanimously endorse its policy this week.
“Local governments are demonstrating strong support for the economic development, investment and community benefits these projects can deliver,” she said.
Ms Mulder said the growing adoption of CBA policies was also helping to create clearer expectations for developers, councils and communities.
“The best outcomes will come when the rules are clear, expectations are realistic, and agreements are negotiated in good faith,” she said.
“Community Benefit Agreements should support better projects and stronger community relationships, while balancing the costs of delivery and helping place downward pressure on electricity prices and strengthen regional energy security.”
Queensland’s community benefit framework requires prescribed renewable energy and battery storage projects to prepare a Social Impact Assessment and negotiate a Community Benefit Agreement as part of the planning process.