The policy sets clear rules to ensure major renewable energy developments deliver both mandatory mitigation of project impacts and strategic, long-term legacy benefits that support communities well beyond construction.
The new framework is part of Council’s response to the Queensland Government’s Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2025, which now requires large renewable energy projects to include a Social Impact Assessment and Community Benefit Agreement.
“The policy gives local communities confidence that renewable projects will contribute meaningfully to the places that host them,” he said.
“This policy is about doing right by our communities.
“It makes sure project impacts are properly managed and that the people from host communities share in the long-term benefits.
“Our goal is to secure enduring, intergenerational outcomes — projects that strengthen our regional communities and help them thrive for decades to come.”
The Toowoomba Region is one of Australia’s largest renewable energy corridors, with around five gigawatts of proposed wind and solar projects concentrated around Millmerran and Cecil Plains — enough clean power to supply about two million homes.
“Within this renewable energy area, Council plans to actively coordinate communication between multiple project proponents, State agencies and local communities with the establishment of an energy working group,” Mayor McDonald said.
“By playing an active role alongside our community, we will help manage transmission, workforce and housing pressures while unlocking what could amount to many billions of dollars of private investment in the Region, as well as major long-term community benefits.”
Under the new policy, Council is requiring proponents to undertake action across two streams.
- Stream 1 is focused on ensuring mandatory mitigation measures are delivered — addressing direct impacts such as workforce, housing and infrastructure pressures.
- Stream 2 establishes a long-term legacy stream that can support transformative initiatives, such as developing long-term housing as an economic enabler for small-town revitalisation and sustainable regional growth.
Council officers will use the new policy to guide discussions with renewable energy proponents over coming months.
As part of a broader package of support for host communities, Council will host a workshop in Millmerran on 26 November to help local businesses prepare to supply into major project environments.
Council’s new Renewable Energy – Community Benefit Agreement Policy will be available to view on its website.
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