Rockhampton Regional Council has today resolved to submit a Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) to the State Government for consideration.
If approved, the TLPI will guide the development of battery energy storage systems (BESS) across the region.
The instrument was shaped following a month of community consultation in August, which included four public meetings in Rockhampton, Gracemere, Bouldercombe and Alton Downs, as well as 68 formal submissions from residents, industry and stakeholders.
Planning and Regulation Councillor Grant Mathers said the TLPI is an important step to address emerging planning matters and ensure future developments are appropriately located and assessed.
"Over the past year we have received a growing number of applications and enquiries for battery storage facilities, and this TLPI provides an interim framework to help guide where and how they can be developed," Cr Mathers said.
"Council listened carefully to community feedback, and this final version reflects many of the issues raised, including rural land protection, setbacks, bushfire safety, environmental impacts, and visual amenity.
"We know these projects can bring both opportunities and concerns for our community, which is why it was so important to consult widely and incorporate the feedback we received.
"By submitting this TLPI, Council is taking a proactive step to manage current planning challenges while we continue working towards long-term planning solutions."
Cr Mathers said some of the key proposed changes include location and setback requirements.
"We're recommending setbacks be reduced to 1,500 metres from residential and sensitive zones, in line with State advice," Cr Mathers said.
"We've also removed the requirement for developments to be within 2,000 metres of an existing electricity network or substation, which gives more flexibility.
"Importantly, we're clarifying the Strategic Framework to better reflect how these facilities fit into our planning scheme, especially in rural areas.
"This TLPI is not about stopping development, it's about making sure it's done right, with community input and strong safeguards.
"I want to thank everyone who took the time to attend a meeting or make a submission. Your feedback has helped shape this important planning tool."
The TLPI includes several updated and new requirements, including:
- Amendments to the Strategic Framework to provide greater clarity regarding the assessment and regulation of these uses.
- Removal of the requirement for developments to be located within 2,000 metres of an existing or approved electricity network or substation.
- Adjusted setback requirements, with a minimum of 1,500 metres from the Township, Rural Residential, Residential and Emerging Communities zones, as well as other sensitive land uses, consistent with State Government advice.
- Requirement for visual impact assessments for sites visible from public roads, public viewing locations, and sensitive land uses, including consideration of the cumulative impact of nearby developments.
- Noise assessments must be undertaken by a suitably qualified acoustic consultant.
- Development applications must be supported by a risk management plan, fire and bushfire management plan, and emergency plan, prepared by qualified professionals in consultation with the Queensland Fire Department.
- Facilities must comply with Australian Standards AS3745 Planning for emergencies in facilities, including requirements for battery explosion risk management.
- An acceptable outcome to limit the operational lifespan of facilities to a maximum of 20 years, after which the use must be decommissioned unless otherwise approved by Council.
- Provisions to ensure battery storage facilities are located toward the centre of the site.
The TLPI will now be sent to the State Government for review and approval. If approved, the TLPI will remain in effect for up to two years while Council works on permanent planning scheme amendments.
To view the Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) or Community Engagement Report, visit Engage Rockhampton Region: https://bit.ly/40TbPNX
