Local Energy Partnerships
Through the Local Energy Partnerships framework, we are partnering with industry, local councils and peak bodies in regional Queensland so that:
- local voices and choices are shaping how the renewable energy transformation takes place
- local benefits of renewable energy development are flowing to regional communities and local businesses.
For a progress update of actions under Local Energy Partnerships and the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, read the Community Partnerships and Enabling Frameworks (May 2024).
This framework was a result of community feedback on Queensland's energy transformation.
Peak Body Energy Partnerships
Peak Body Energy Partnerships are mutually beneficial agreements between the Queensland Government and peak body groups for:
- agriculture
- communities
- the environment
- First Nations peoples.
They seek to achieve positive, shared outcomes for all Queenslanders and our economy that will generate and enhance social support for our renewable energy transformation.
Queensland Conservation Council (QCC) partnership
We are investing $220,000 to support the QCC in identifying programs that deliver significant environmental benefits.
The QCC represents more than 50 community environment groups across the state and has worked to protect and sustain Queensland's environment since 1969.
Over 12 months they will develop a framework to identify how to improve environmental outcomes for 2 proposed pumped hydro storage projects. This will include extensive consultation with key stakeholders.
Queensland Farmers Federation (QFF) partnership
To help farmers make better-informed business decisions, we are partnering with QFF to establish the Energy Information Service for Landholders.
This is a phone service that will:
- provide farmers with tailored energy-related information and guidance
- equip farmers with the knowledge to navigate the challenges of the energy transformation successfully
- realise benefits to their business in participating in renewable energy generation projects.
Energy Industry Partnerships
Energy Industry Partnerships have been set up to guide better practice in the renewable energy sector and improve industry engagement with communities. We have invested $3 million in grants for energy partnerships across the state. These grants have been awarded to:
- Smart Energy Council
- Clean Energy Council
- Queensland Renewable Energy Council.
The grants will help to provide more opportunities for regional Queensland communities to directly benefit from renewable energy solutions.
Read more about our new energy grants.
Smart Energy Council partnership
We are partnering with the Smart Energy Council to deliver a large-scale solar panel recycling pilot in 5 locations in metro and regional Queensland. This will provide drop-off sites so panels can be distributed to resource recovery, reuse and recycling facilities.
The partnership will also establish a Commercial and Industrial Solar Consultative Committee that brings together manufacturers, project developers and owners, recyclers, researchers and representatives from all levels of government. The committee’s work will inform best practice in the sector, with a uniquely Queensland perspective.
Clean Energy Council partnership
We are supporting Clean Energy Council (CEC) to deliver regional careers fairs in 2024 to showcase local job opportunities in our clean energy economy.
As part of this partnership, CEC will also:
- develop and promote clean energy stories showing real life jobs in regional communities
- deliver industry training on social licence to support the delivery of energy infrastructure projects in renewable energy zones.
Queensland Renewable Energy Council partnership
We are funding the Queensland Renewable Energy Council (QREC) to help guide better industry practice, understand local needs and support communities to benefit from the energy transformation.
As part of this partnership QREC will:
- develop industry resources to help with assessments and approvals for renewable energy projects
- deliver the Landholder Support Project to investigate the benefits of hosting renewable energy projects alongside existing farming operations
- support industry with regional engagement in renewable energy zones.
Local Council Energy Partnerships
The Local Council Energy Partnership program will help local governments get the most out of renewable energy projects in their regions.
Under the program, funding will be provided to:
- boost Councils’ ability to engage and work on energy matters, helping them navigate the challenges of our energy transformation
- help local councils that access energy from the east coast National Electricity Market to understand how to get greater benefits for their communities when negotiating power purchase agreements for renewable energy
- continue work with remote and isolated communities, Traditional Owners and Councils to develop the Remote and First Nations Clean Energy Strategy.
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) partnership
We are partnering with LGAQ to equip Queensland’s local councils and Regional Organisation of Councils in most need with the tools and skills to benefit from the energy transformation.
Through this partnership, LGAQ will:
- deliver a series of projects aimed at enhancing councils’ capacity to coordinate and engage with their communities on energy matters
- equip councils with the required resources to manage the increase in renewable energy development applications driven by the Queensland Energy and Jobs plan.
- investigate renewable energy opportunities in their regions.
Read more about our partnership with LGAQ.
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- Last updated:
- 11 June 2024