Renewables CEO warns changes to community benefit schemes could backfire
One of Qld’s largest wind farm companies says signing off on a community benefit scheme too soon could cause delay, higher costs and adverse outcomes for councils, communities and developers.
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One of Queensland’s largest renewable companies is warning that having to execute a community benefit scheme before lodging a development application for a wind farm would cause delay, cost and potential adverse outcomes for councils, communities and developers.
In Ark Energy’s written submission to a Queensland parliamentary inquiry which held a public hearing in Rockhampton this week, CEO Michael Choi said requiring a proponent to sign off on a legally binding community benefit scheme before lodging a development application was generally impractical.
The inquiry is holding three hearings across the state, with one also held in Biloela on June 2 and another in Brisbane on June 3, to gather feedback for proposed amendments to Queensland’s Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Bill.
The legislation has attracted more than 500 submissions, with a particular focus on wind farm projects and their impact.
Rockhampton is one of the regions in the wind farm spotlight following the LNP Government’s decision last month to cancel the $1b Moonlight Range project based on strong community concerns.
Ark Energy’s head of development, Damian Vermey, spoke at the hearing.
“While time can be spent researching and developing a potential scope for benefits in the earlier stage of a proposal, we suggest it makes more sense and is more efficient for everyone involved – proponents, councils and other community stakeholders - to finalise and execute an agreement after a DA has been approved – when there is certainty that the project can proceed and more clarity on what that project involves,” he said.
Mr Choi stated in the submission more work needs to be considered in the bill for CBA guidelines.
“We also consider there are alternative ways to achieve the intended community benefit system outcomes without the same risks.”
One of Ark’s projects is the proposed Boomer Green Energy Hub which involves a 1000MW (130-140 turbines) wind farm near Marlborough with a DA expected to be lodged this year.
Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea appeared at the inquiry, with her council lodging a submission which was “generally supportive” of the bill and accompanying draft development application rules.
IRC broadly supported the introduction of Community Benefit Agreements as a mandatory component of major renewable energy developments.
IRC also backed the intent to promote community benefit, accountability and transparent assessment of significant projects, recognition of local governments in the consultation process and improved public notification provisions.
However IRC also said local government should have statutory input into the assessment process, a view supported by Gladstone Regional Council, another renewable project hotspot.
“Specifically, that local government should be enshrined in legislation as a statutory referral agency and stakeholder for all renewable projects,” IRC said.
“Not doing so could see delayed identification of local concerns, issues and opportunities, which could adversely affect the proponent and host communities.”
Capricorn Conservation Council co-ordinator Sophie George appeared before the inquiry with a submission that argued the proposed bill did not ensure adequate protection of Queensland’s unique biodiversity.
“High-value ecosystems, including mapped biodiversity corridors and wetlands, are not sufficiently accounted for in the proposed planning framework,” CCC said in the submission.
“CCC has previously highlighted the need to protect Shoalwater and Corio Bays — areas critical for migratory birds and marine biodiversity. Our Moonlight Range submission detailed the potential clearing of over 1,000 hectares of habitat for threatened species, including koalas, greater gliders, and squatter pigeons.
“These impacts are unacceptable in the context of a global biodiversity crisis. CCC recommends that cumulative impact assessments be mandated for all major projects.”
A spokesperson for RES Australia said the Moah Creek wind farm project had been developed through the Central Queensland Power joint venture with a comprehensive engagement program over the past four years.
The spokesperson said a dedicated office was opened in Rockhampton last year, a Community Consultative Committee has been established and the Moah Creek Wind Farm Neighbour Shared Benefit Scheme was developed to ensure benefits from the project are meaningfully shared with the local community to include the project neighbours within 5km of the Moah Creek Wind Farm.
The committee is due to table its report on Friday, 20 June 2025.
Once the committee’s report has been tabled, the government has three months to respond to the report’s recommendations (if any).
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