Communities empowered on renewables
- Crisafulli Government levels the playing field for approvals, with renewable energy projects to be subject to stringent approvals processes, similar to other major projects.
- The change delivers A Fresh Start for Queensland and a key election commitment.
- Planning Act changes to introduce a nation-leading community benefit system for renewable energy projects.
- Proponents required to build social licence, ensuring certainty for regional councils, communities and project proponents.
The Crisafulli Government has introduced nation-leading laws into Parliament today to deliver on its commitment to empower regional communities on renewable energy projects, and ensure long-lasting legacy benefits are locked in.
Under the changes, major solar farms will be impact assessable and subject to public notification, with the same rigorous approval processes as other major developments.
A new planning pathway will require major renewable programs to build social licence by demonstrating how projects will deliver long-term benefits for affected communities.
Proponents will be required to conduct a social impact assessment and enter into a binding community benefit agreement with the local government before lodging a development application.
Further, the changes will make the Queensland Government the Statewide assessment manager for solar farms, like the current arrangement for wind farms.
The changes build on reforms made earlier this year that made wind farms impact assessable and are part of delivering a fresh start for Queensland.
The reform ensures the Crisafulli Government delivers a voice for regional communities, after Labor shut them out of the consultation process on major renewable projects for a decade.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the reform would address the social impact of these large-scale developments and put communities first.
"We are restoring a voice for regional communities and putting them back in the driver's seat for projects in their backyard, just as we promised," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"For too long, Labor's rush to renewables meant local communities and councils were shut out of the approvals process.
"These changes to the Planning Act mean renewable energy projects will have to engage early and authentically with communities and local governments and contribute a long-lasting legacy for their regions.
"Unlike Labor, we're introducing more transparency and clarity for solar and wind farms, so that their developers are subject to the same rigorous processes as other major projects, including community consultation."
Local Government Association of Queensland CEO Alison Smith thanked the State Government for delivering on an annual conference resolution from the state's councils.
"No one knows their communities like local councils do, and they are best placed to ensure planned developments will take into consideration community needs and help enhance community liveability," Ms Smith said.
"Since 2018, multiple resolutions have been passed by local government calling for reforms to improve renewable energy development outcomes, in recognition of the economic, social and environmental impact these developments have on local communities."
