FAQs

It’s a Council policy that outlines how social impacts will be managed and how Community Benefit Agreements may be negotiated for renewable energy developments in the Rockhampton Region.

In 2025, Queensland’s planning framework changed, requiring renewable energy projects to consider social impacts and community benefits. The policy helps Council respond to these new requirements.

The policy does not indicate support for or opposition to renewable energy developments.

No. It does not determine whether projects should occur, nor does it influence how future development applications will be assessed or decided.

The policy was adopted at the Council table on Tuesday 8 September. This means Council has endorsed a framework to guide the review of Social Impact Assessments and the negotiation of Community Benefit Agreements. Community and stakeholder feedback is now being sought to help refine and improve the policy. Once consultation is complete, Council will review the policy again and consider any changes before formally adopting the final version.

It provides a clear, consistent approach for managing social impacts and provides a framework for Council to work with renewable energy proponents on Social Impact Assessments and negotiate Community Benefit Agreements to maximise potential benefits for affected communities.

Community members, landholders, community, sporting and not-for-profit organisations, First Nations organisations or representative bodies, housing or accommodation providers, local business, industry, employment or recruitment representatives, renewable energy developers or proponents, government agencies and other interested stakeholders are invited to provide feedback.

Council will review all feedback received to identify any changes or improvements that may be required to the policy.

They are agreements between Council and renewable energy proponents that outline how affected communities may share in the benefits of a project, such as funding, local initiatives or support programs.