We’ve been busy over the past six months progressing both the Battery and Wind Farm projects, while continuing to engage with the community, Rockhampton Regional Council (RRC), Banana Shire Council and other stakeholders. As part of our commitment to keeping you informed, we’d like to share an update on the progress made and what’s happening next.

 

Although the Battery has approval as part of the broader Wind Farm development, we have been working on preparing a development application, which will allow the Battery to be developed as a stand-alone project, enabling its construction prior to development of the Wind Farm.

 

This application is nearing submission to the Queensland State Referral and Assessment Agency (SARA) for assessment under State Code 27: Battery storage facility development. The application is supported by a range of technical assessment reports, covering matters such as ecology, traffic, noise, bushfire, safety, hazard and risk considerations.

 

A Social Impact Assessment (SIA) has been prepared, and we are working with RRC to ensure it meets their requirements. A Community Benefit Agreement is also in development. This has been informed by the SIA and is consistent with RRC’s Draft Renewable Energy Community Benefit System Policy.

 

Alongside the SIA, our focus has remained on continuing engagement with the local community and key stakeholders throughout the Project’s development. The community and other stakeholders will have additional opportunities to stay informed and provide feedback throughout the assessment process, including at further information sessions and a formal public notification process.

 

The Wind Farm continues to progress through the pre-construction phase, with design, procurement, commercial and regulatory activities continuing. While the timing of construction is not yet confirmed, we will continue to keep you updated as the project progresses and we near key milestones.

 

Upcoming work includes design of the road upgrade at the McDonalds Road and Burnett Highway intersection, as well as the planning and approval of upgrades to public roads that will provide access to the Wind Farm site. We will keep nearby landowners and the local community informed about any planned activities well in advance.

 

We will be in the community regularly over the coming months, as we undertake targeted consultation for the wind farm to inform the delivery of community benefits across the Banana Shire, Rockhampton and Gladstone regions. This will include individual discussions, as well as community information sessions in local areas.