Renewable Energy comes from natural sources, such as sunlight, wind and water, that replenish faster than they are consumed. Also known as “green” or “clean” energy, it produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, offering an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels for generating power. Common forms include, solar power, wind power, hydropower (from water), geothermal energy (from the Earth’s heat) and biomass energy (from organic matter).
Renewable Energy – What’s Changed (Queensland) – Solar & Wind
On 18 July 2025, the Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2025 commenced, which introduced a new community benefit system which applies to wind farms and large scale solar farms. The change in legislation means Solar Farm and Wind Farm development applications are required to be lodged through and assessed by the State Government (State Assessment Referral Agency - SARA).
However, before the lodgement of the development application, proponents are to undertake a Social Impact Assessment and negotiate a Community Benefit Agreement with Council.
Note: A large scale solar farm is defined as being above 1MW. Small scale solar farms will be assessed by the local government.
At present, local government remains the assessment manager for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). This means that all development applications for these types of proposals are to be lodged and assessed by Council’s Development Services Section.
Renewable Energy – Location – Gladstone Region
To assist the community in knowing the location of all proposed and approved Solar/Wind/BESS projects, view the Renewable Energy Map:
