The Queensland Government has announced the introduction of a renewable energy code of conduct.
The code, which will be co-designed with stakeholders, will ensure renewable energy developers engage genuinely with landholders and communities when developing, building and operating new generation and storage projects.
The Government will also inject $20 million to ensure communities can engage in and share the benefits of the energy transition.
The code is intended to focus on demonstrating tangible benefits for communities, including improvements to infrastructure, jobs and the local economy.
“I expect that this nation-leading code will put communities firmly at the forefront of the energy transition, because they should have a genuine seat at the table when it comes to decisions in their local area,” Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Mick de Brenni said.
“Because we’re committed to ensuring the transition benefits all Queenslanders, we’re ensuring local communities reap the reward by making social licence a race to the top.
“We’ve listened to key advocacy groups like the Queensland Farmers Federation and the Local Government Association Queensland, and have taken on feedback from those who know their local communities best.”
In developing the code, the Queensland Government will consider the findings of the Commonwealth’s Independent Community Engagement Review.
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