- Planning for the Callide Renewable Energy Zone is progressing
- Miles Government committed to ensuring the coordinated rollout of local renewable projects will guarantee better local outcomes
- $25.8 million for local benefits and infrastructure upgrades
The Miles Government is delivering on its commitment to global leading practice in the rollout of renewable projects in what is on track to be Queensland’s first declared Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in Callide.
This follows in-depth community consultation through over 1,000 conversations on how to deliver maximum community benefits from the proposed Callide REZ in Central Queensland.
The extensive consultation demonstrated locals believe the change has to happen to protect jobs and grow new industry, but want it carefully managed to ensure reliable and affordable energy supply.
Communities also suggested lessons from the gas industry should shape development of the REZ, with renewable energy projects to continue the economic legacy created by coal and agricultural industries.
This is being supported through the expansion of the remit of the Gas Fields Commission to create Coexistence Queensland which will promote the beneficial coexistence of agriculture, resources, and renewable energy sectors.
The findings are part of a REZ Readiness Assessment, which was compiled following extensive workshops, community consultations and in-depth studies in Callide, the first of the proposed 12 REZs. Other proposed zones will be assessed later this year and in 2025.
REZ Readiness Assessments are a key component of the REZ framework legislated under the Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Act 2024 which passed without opposition support.
Assessments are designed to help identify environmental, economic and social issues and opportunities to provide a clear view of what creating a REZ might mean for a region or local area.
This includes infrastructure, transport, housing and accommodation, workforce, supply chains, waste management, environment, other land uses and social infrastructure, as well as local industry and First Nations considerations.
Key actions to support early planning for the proposed Callide REZ include:
- $5 million seed funding for a Callide REZ Community Legacy Fund with opportunities for developer contributions;
- $1.4 million for workforce planning, including development of the Biloela Workforce Accommodation proposal and legacy housing opportunities;
- $4.4 million for the Callide Future Hub Training Facility and Visitor Centre;
- $3.1 million for a review of region’s transport network infrastructure;
- $1.8 million to support a renewable energy engagement and education program;
- $3.5 million for industry incentives in the Biloela Industrial Precinct;
- $500,000 to help accelerate a new Banana Shire waste facility and resource recovery opportunities;
- $500,000 to partner with Banana Shire Council to develop a Callide REZ procurement strategy to connect local supply chains with REZ opportunities;
- $1 million for detailed consideration and mapping of the biodiversity of the region and exploring an approach for securing coordinated offsets;
- $500,000 for engagement and partnerships with First Nations groups.
- $4.1 million to further investigate critical issues such as waste, resource recovery, supply chains, transport logistics and infrastructure funding models.
Powerlink will also investigate improving access to high-speed internet and mobile phone coverage through the SuperGrid Telecommunications Program along transmission routes and higher payments to landholders and neighbours through the SuperGrid Landholder Payment Framework.
Via the REZ Readiness Assessment, the Queensland Government will continue to engage closely with local communities, stakeholders and councils to make sure local needs and priorities continue to inform the planning and long-term development of the proposed Callide REZ.
A local reference group will be established later this year and include diverse local voices – from community members, local businesses, landowners, to cultural representatives.
This group will represent local community and stakeholder views and provide input into decisions for REZ development including a future decision on the declaration of the proposed Callide REZ.
Quotes attributable to Minister Mick de Brenni:
“With 95% of investment in the energy system going direct to regional Queensland, it’s crucial to us that communities see benefits flow through deliver what matters to them.
“These REZ readiness assessments are all about giving communities the opportunity to shape investment in their region – we’re committed to delivering the benefits of renewable energy and genuine partnership with Queensland communities.
“Central Queensland is the industrial powerhouse of our state, we understand the pride communities have in that legacy and we know the only way to secure and strengthen that going forward is by delivering clean, affordable, secure renewable energy.
“We know that the LNP doesn’t support the community having their say, they voted against the Energy Act and its provisions on working with community.
The Miles government recognises this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lock in energy security while at the same time giving local communities a chance to have a big say in their future.”
Quotes attributable to Banana Shire Mayor Nev Ferrier:
“In just 40 years, the Banana Shire landscape has transformed, and is becoming a futuristic innovative economy, with many renewable projects in the pipeline.
“While our rich coal reserves have long contributed to our economy, we recognise the need to embrace a balanced and sustainable approach to energy generation as we strive towards the government's net zero-emission targets.
“As Banana Shire will be home to the proposed Callide Renewable Energy Zone and ongoing investment into the Callide Power Station as a future Clean Energy Hub, it’s only right that the people of the region see a benefit flow through to them.
“This transformation represents an opportunity to drive investment into local infrastructure, and council and community services, and we look forward to working with the Queensland Government to carefully manage any impacts and ensure benefits for the local community.
“We also have a commitment to our regional environment and prime agricultural land. While we are contributing to the overall health of the state’s environment we cannot overlook the local effects, so protecting our own backyard is part and parcel of the package that is being brought together.
“This is the beginning of a new era in the Banana Shire. Let us continue fostering innovation, collaboration and sustainable practices as we shape a better future for generations to come.”
Find out more about Powerlink's role as the Renewable Energy Zone Delivery Body.