URGENT: Renewable Energy Zone consultation on today and tomorrow
Hi everyone,
Please make the time to attend these sessions if you can - I only received an invitation yesterday at 4:49pm.
That’s frustrating, to be perfectly honest - especially as I’m supposed to have the day off today, after a huge effort at EcoFest.
Please spread the word.
Thanks,
Anna
You're invited - REZ community events
Hello,
To support the planning of Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) across Queensland, the Department of Energy and Climate is undertaking REZ Readiness Assessments and we want to hear from you.
These assessments will identify regional opportunities and ways to mitigate potential impacts related to renewable energy development, informed by local feedback.
The first assessments have commenced for communities in Central Queensland and the Callide region and engagement activities are planned for these communities over the coming months.
Upcoming CQ events - week 3 to 7 June 2024
We look forward to seeing you at one of these drop-in sessions:
Gladstone, 4 June 2024
11am to 2pm, Maxine Brushe Meeting Room, 1 Pengelly Street West, Gladstone
4 to 7pm, Maxine Brushe Meeting Room, 1 Pengelly Street West, Gladstone
Calliope, 5 June 2024
3 to 6pm, Calliope Central Bowls Club, 21 Drynan Drive, Calliope
You don't need to RSVP for these sessions; simply come along to share your feedback.
What are Renewable Energy Zones?
In March 2024, the department released the Queensland Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Roadmap, which outlines the pathway to connect 22 gigawatts of additional grid-scale wind and solar energy in 12 potential locations (or REZs) across the state.
REZs are areas of high-renewable potential and will support connection of multiple wind and solar energy projects in a more coordinated way, reducing costs and delivering better outcomes for regional communities and industries.
Future REZ Readiness events
We will be hosting a range of community events across the Central Queensland region until August this year. These locations include towns like Banana, Biloela and Dululu. For the full list of locations and event information, visit the department's website. It will be updated once more events are confirmed.
REZ assessments for North and Far North, and Southern Queensland are expected to begin in late 2024 and continue into 2025.
Next steps
Assessment outcomes will inform a coordinated program of work across government, including initiatives to support regional communities throughout the energy transformation. This may include upgrading local roads, protecting and enhancing the local environment and supporting local industry.
Recommendations from these assessments will be actioned in partnership with Powerlink and the Office of the Coordinator General. This coordinated approach will help ensure effective planning to support renewable energy development, while providing better outcomes for regional communities.
We have committed $20 million from the Regional Economic Futures Fund to action recommendations from the first REZ Readiness Assessments.
Contact us
If you have questions about REZs, please phone 13 GOV (13 74 68) or for more information visit the department's website.
Department of Energy and Climate
REZ and Energy Transformation team
Find out more