The Clean Energy Council has expressed disappointment following the Queensland Parliament’s decision to pass its proposed renewable energy planning reforms without amendment. The national peak body for the renewable energy sector is concerned that these new laws will add complexity, delay approvals for large-scale renewable projects and put much-needed investment in Queensland at risk.
Clean Energy Council National Spokesperson, Chris O’Keefe, agreed with the Government’s intent to improve engagement with local communities, as part of the Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, but warned the new mandate to have Community Benefit Agreements signed off before a renewable energy project can even lodge its development application with the State Government, will only deter investment in the State and make it much harder for communities to realise any benefits.
This comes at a time when Queensland most needs affordable, secure clean energy.
"We know the renewables industry hasn't always gotten it right, but we value local communities and are working tirelessly with our members to put locals at the heart of our decision making, alongside energy consumers. That's why we support the intent of these new laws,” Mr O’Keefe said.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Queensland to get the balance right. However, unfortunately, the most likely effect of this Bill won’t be to improve community benefits, it will be the exact opposite.
“We agree that communities must benefit, but this legislation imposes upfront processes that will frustrate good projects and could delay real outcomes. Renewables investors are already expressing hesitation to continue their projects in Queensland given timeframe uncertainty which risks stalling the roll out of clean energy to replace retiring coal and leading to higher household energy bills.
“Regional communities deserve a fair share of the opportunities created by renewable energy, and that benefit sharing is most effective when co-designed at the right stage of a project’s life cycle. By forcing that process too early — before a project is fully defined — the reforms risk creating unrealistic expectations for communities on projects that may not have any chance of being delivered. That could mean fewer local contributions and less certainty for councils, landholders and First Nations groups.
Queensland has been leading the nation in clean energy investment and delivery, and still can, but these new laws could drive away billions of dollars and thousands of jobs from regional Queensland. And not because industry doesn’t want to work with communities – we absolutely do – but because the new laws have too much ambiguity and could delay projects for months, or even years.Chris O'Keefe Clean Energy Council National Spokesperson
Since the planning reforms began in February this year, there have been no new large-scale development applications lodged with the State Government. The Clean Energy Council, which represents over 1000 organisations in the clean energy supply chain, said it was disappointing to see that consultation to-date hasn’t reflected the scale of concern across industry and local governments.
"These laws were supposed to increase consultation and ironically that is exactly what was missing from the legislative design process. Over 700 submissions were received by the committee, 110 all calling for changes on renewable energy aspects, including on the proposed timing of impact assessments, community benefit agreements and the resourcing impost this will place on local councils - yet the Government has not seen fit to make any amendments,” Mr O’Keefe said.
Mr O’Keefe said the Clean Energy Council will continue to advocate for a renewable energy planning framework that is practical, proportionate and genuinely supports transparent, place-based benefit sharing.
We urge the Government to work with industry to review the reforms and find a balanced way forward. The priority must be delivering affordable, reliable power for all Queenslanders and creating long-term regional jobs, while ensuring local communities see real and lasting benefits – the only way to get there is through investment in renewables which this law puts at risk.Chris O'Keefe Clean Energy Council National Spokesperson
“Our members are keen to collaborate with Government and the Parliament to review the impact of these laws within the next six months to ensure sure they deliver certainty and transparency for everyone involved. We remain optimistic that, with targeted refinements, these reforms can achieve their goal of stronger community outcomes while keeping Queensland open for business as a national leader in the clean energy transition,” he said.
ENDS
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Liam Straughan
Clean Energy Council Media Officer
+61 409 470 683
Latest news
New Clean Energy, Job Ready program launches as demand for skilled renewable workforce grows
Clean Energy Council says passage of Queensland renewable reforms disregards industry feedback
Clean Energy Council welcomes NSW Government's investment in Transmission Acceleration Facility
Clean Energy Council responds to Queensland Budget - Welcomes investment in long-duration storage
NSW turbocharges home battery savings with new incentive scheme
