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Community Benefit System overview

From 18 July 2025, new Queensland planning laws require certain renewable energy developments to undertake a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) and negotiate a Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) with local government before a development application can proceed.

These reforms were introduced to ensure that communities affected by large-scale renewable projects:

  • are supported through the management and mitigation of potential social impacts on local infrastructure, housing, services, and community wellbeing.
  • share in the long term economic and social benefits generated by these developments through more transparent planning, engagement and community benefit processes.

 

In response to these changes, council has developed a Community Benefit Agreement (Renewables) Policy.

The purpose of this policy is to:

  1. Provide a framework for the negotiation, amendment and execution of Community Benefit Agreements (CBAs) associated with renewable energy projects in the Central Highlands Regional Council (council) local government area.
  2. Ensure that any CBAs developed between council and other parties can and will deliver practical and meaningful legacy projects that have tangible benefits for the communities impacted by large-scale renewable projects.

 

What is a Social Impact Assessment?
A Social Impact Assessment (SIA) examines how a proposed development may affect the surrounding
community.

The assessment considers both positive and negative impacts, including impacts on:

  • community wellbeing.
  • housing and accommodation.
  • local employment and workforce pressures.
  • traffic and transport.
  • health, education, and emergency services.
  • community values and livability.

The assessment must also consider cumulative impacts, particularly where multiple renewable energy projects
may affect the region over time.

 

What is a Community Benefit Agreement? (CBA)  

A Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) is a formal agreement between a renewable energy developer and local government (on behalf of the affected community or communities) that outlines how a project will contribute positively to the local community. 

The agreement is intended to support sustainable regional growth and ensure renewable energy projects provide lasting benefits to the communities in which they operate. 

Community benefits may include: 

  • investment in local infrastructure.
  • community grants or sponsorships.
  • road and transport upgrades.
  • workforce training and employment initiatives.
  • support for local health, education or emergency services and facilities.
  • recreation, sporting, or community infrastructure.

Which renewable developments are affected?

These developments are assessed by the State Assessment and Referral Agency (Queensland Government).

Under the current framework, the mandatory SIA and CBA requirements apply to:

  • wind farms (any size).
  • solar farms producing 1MW or more of electricity and/or located within a Priority Development Area.
  • battery storage facilities with an instantaneous output of 50MW or more.

The Community Benefit System (the mandatory SIA and CBA requirements) will not apply to:

  • solar farms with an output of less than 1 MW – These developments will be Impact Assessable but assessed by the council.
  • small scale battery storage facilities which will not trigger a development application if they are:
    • a pad mounted battery storage device only and the total area of the premises covered by the facility is no more than 15m²; or
    • a pole mounted battery storage device only and the total volume of the device is no more than 2m³.
  • battery storage facilities with an output of less than 50MW but not considered “small-scale” – These developments will be Impact Assessable and will be assessed by the State Assessment and Referral Agency (Queensland Government).

Impact Assessable applications are required to undergo public notification during their assessment period. Anyone can lodge a submission during the notification period and the assessment manager must take all properly made submissions into account while making their decision. A properly made submission also has appeal rights against the decision or conditions of an approval.

Further information is available on the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning website.

Current projects

  • Lilyvale Battery Energy Storage System

     

    Name of Project: Lilyvale Battery Energy Storage System.
    Type of project: Battery Storage Facility.
    MW generated: 440MW power output.
    Description: The proposed Lilyvale BESS will consist of a BESS facility (440 MW/ 1760 MWh), substation and transmission infrastructure, consisting of the following:

    • Estimated 512 BESS containers.
    • Estimated 128 inverters and Medium Voltage Power Stations.
    • Electrical equipment including primary transformers, high voltage substation, auxiliary transfers, harmonic filters and control rooms.
    • Administrative and operations and maintenance buildings and facilities.

    Estimated workforce of up to 100 people over a construction period of approximately 24 months. Estimate a maximum of 2 – 3 people during the operations phase.
    Location: The site is located adjacent to the Lilyvale Substation, located at Mount Stuart Road, Lilyvale (approximately 52km north-east of Emerald).
    Real property description: Lot 2 RP616712 and Lot 22 SP 129967
    Current Status: Community Benefit System process – Negotiating / Executing Community Benefit Agreement (CBA)
    Find more information: ACEN Australia project information.
    EPBC Act referral summary.
    Executed CBA document will be available once finalised.
    Decision Notice document will be available once finalised.

     

  • Boomer Green Energy Hub – Wind Farm and BESS

     

    Name of Project: Boomer Green Energy Hub – Wind Farm and BESS.
    Type of project: Hybrid – Wind Farm and BESS.
    MW generated: ~1,150MW.
    Description: Ark Energy Projects Pty Ltd (Ark Energy) proposes to develop a wind farm which will consist of up to 151 wind turbine generators and contribute ~1,150 megawatts of renewable power to the national electricity grid.

    Boomer Green Energy Hub (the Project) is proposed across six leasehold and freehold lots, which together form the Site Boundary. The Site Boundary lies within three local government areas; Rockhampton Regional Council, Livingstone Shire Council and Central Highlands Regional Council in Central Queensland.

    Key infrastructure components include:

    • Up to 151 wind turbine generators with a tip height of up to 275 m.
    • Hardstand infrastructure for wind turbine construction, blade laydowns and crane pads permanent and temporary wind monitoring masts of up to 175 m height.
    • Battery energy storage and grid-firming electrical infrastructure.
    • Substations and switchyard.
    • Telecommunication towers.
    • Site offices, workshops, warehouses, staff amenities.
    • Gravel-capped roads.
    • Permanent site entries.
    • Underground power and communication cables.
    • Medium and high voltage overhead powerlines.
    • New fencing with grids and gates.
    • Temporary facilities including construction compounds, workers accommodation, laydown and stockpile areas and site entrances.
    • Mobile concrete batching plant and rock crushing facilities.

     

    The Project is expected to have an operational life of 60 years.
    Location: 2319 Apis Creek Road, Mount Gardiner, Qld 4375
    Current Status: Community Benefit System process – Undertaking Social Impact Assessment.
    Find more information: Boomer Green Energy project information.
    EPBC Act referral summary.
    Executed CBA document will be available once finalised.
    Decision Notice document will be available once finalised.

     

Frequently asked questions

  • What is Council’s role in the development application process for renewable energy projects?

    Under the 2025 amendments to the Planning Act 2016, council is no longer the Assessment Manager for large-scale renewable energy development applications. 

    Council’s role is to represent the interests of the Central Highlands community by advocating for appropriate measures to address the social impacts associated with renewable energy development and negotiating meaningful community benefits that deliver long-term value to the region. 

    To support this outcome, council may negotiate and enter into a Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) with the project proponent. The CBA is informed by the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) undertaken for the project. 

    A CBA is a legally binding agreement between council and the proponent and is required to be submitted as part of the development application lodged to the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA). 

  • What is the role of the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA)?

    The State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) is the Assessment Manager for eligible large scale renewable energy developments in Queensland. SARA is responsible for assessing development applications and determining whether a development approval will be granted.

  • Can the community have a say on specific renewable energy development applications?

    If a Social Impact Assessment is required (and prior to lodgement of the development application), community members may provide input during the proponent driven consultation. 

    Following lodgement of the development application and during the public notification period for impact assessable renewable energy applications, community members and stakeholders can make submissions outlining comments, concerns or objections that SARA must consider as part of the assessment process. 

  • How will community benefit projects be chosen?

    The community will have opportunities to share ideas and identify projects or initiatives that would provide real local benefits. Community feedback will help shape future priorities within Central Highlands. The final decision-making entity will remain as council to ensure outcomes deliver lasting benefits for the region.  

    Guidelines are currently being developed based on existing community feedback and strategic documents.

    In the coming months, council will be seeking further input from community to refine these draft guidelines to investment in each of our unique communities. Once finalised they will be available here.

  • How do I provide feedback during the Social Impact Assessment Process (before the proponent has lodged the development application)?

    The Social Impact Assessment process will be driven by the entity proposing to develop the renewable project. They may undertake the consultation with community members themselves or hire a company who specialises in consultation and drafting these types of assessment reports. As such, they will provide information on how to contact them or attend their consultation events to provide feedback. 

    Community members may request council to share contact information for these proponents, where provided for this purpose. 

  • How do I provide feedback after the proponent has lodged the development application?

    Community members can provide feedback by lodging a properly made submission during the public notification period of the development application. 

    To do this: 

    • Check when the application is publicly notified through:
      1. Newspaper notices.
      2. On site signage. 
      3. The Queensland Government planning website. 
    • Ensure your submission is made within the stated notification period. 
    • Provide your submission in writing via the method outlined in the public notice. 

     

    To be considered a properly made submission under the Planning Act 2016, the submission must include: 

    • the submitter’s name and residential or business address. 
    • a clear statement of support, objection or comments. 
    • reasons for the submission relating to planning matters. 
    • the submitter’s signature or electronic confirmation requirements. 

     

    Please note that submissions provided directly to council are not considered properly made submissions to SARA. 

  • What happens if I do not make a properly made submission during the public notification period?

    The public notification period is the formal opportunity for community members to participate in the statutory planning process. 

    Under the Planning Act 2016, only people who make a properly made submission obtain formal submitter status. 

    Without submitter status:

    • you may not have appeal rights.
    • you may not be able to challenge the decision in the Planning and Environment Court.

     

    If a project is approved and a properly made submission was not lodged during the notification period, the ability to challenge the outcome may be limited.

Working with council

Central Highlands Regional Council encourages proponents to engage early to support efficient project planning and better community outcomes. 

Early engagement allows council and proponents to: 

  • identify potential social impacts. 
  • understand local priorities.  
  • consider cumulative regional pressures.  
  • explore opportunities for long term community benefit.  

Council supports renewable energy development that contributes positively to the long-term sustainability, resilience, and liveability of the Central Highlands region. 

 

For further information, please refer to:

For enquiries relating to renewable energy developments, Social Impact Assessments, or Community Benefit Agreements, please contact: Central Highlands Regional Council at townplanning@chrc.qld.gov.au or speak to a planner on 1300 242 686.