Renewable Energy: Community Benefit System

The Community Benefit System is part of Queensland's planning framework for renewable energy development. 

The system aims to: 

• identify and manage social impacts associated with renewable energy projects
• ensure affected communities have opportunities to participate in consultation
• provide long-term community benefits aligned with local needs and priorities
• support transparent and accountable agreements between developers and local governments.  

The Community Benefit System applies to prescribed developments, including: 

• a material change of use of premises for a solar farm that has a maximum instantaneous electricity output of 1MW or more; 
• a material change of use of premises for a wind farm; 
• a material change of use of premises for a battery storage facility that has a maximum instantaneous electricity output of 50MW or more. 

Council's role is to represent the interests of the community throughout the Community Benefit System process. Council: 

• participates in the Social Impact Assessment process where appropriate 
• reviews Social Impact Assessment documentation 
• negotiates Community Benefit Agreements with proponents 
• identifies opportunities for long-term community benefit outcomes 
• manages and reports on Community Benefit Contributions where applicable 
• publishes executed Community Benefit Agreements in accordance with legislative requirements.  

Council's policy does not indicate support for renewable energy proposal and does not replace the statutory development assessment process undertaken by the Queensland Government. Any applications submitted under the policy will be administered by council in accordance with applicable legislation, regulatory requirements, and the process outlined in the Renewable Energy: Community Benefit System Workflow (see related documents below).

A Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) is a legally binding agreement between council and a renewable energy project proponent. 

Community Benefit Agreements seek to deliver tangible and enduring benefits that respond to the social impacts identified through the Social Impact Assessment process. Benefits are expected to reflect community needs, aspirations and priorities while supporting the long-term growth and wellbeing of the Mackay region.  

Proponents who enter into a Community Benefit Agreement with council will be published here.

Community Benefit Agreements may provide support across three key benefit streams: 

1. Local Neighbourhood Benefits 
   Investment directed towards communities located within the primary social study area of a project.
2. Community-wide Benefits
   Investment in regionally significant projects and initiatives that provide long-term benefits across the Mackay Regional Council area. 
3. Community Sponsorships
   Support for community groups, sporting clubs, schools and not-for-profit organisations that contribute to local community wellbeing.  

A Social Impact Assessment (SIA) is undertaken by the project proponent and considers the potential positive and negative impacts of a development throughout its lifecycle (i.e. planning, construction, operations, decommission) 

Key matters considered include: 

• community and stakeholder engagement 
• workforce management 
• housing and accommodation 
• local business and industry procurement 
• health and community wellbeing.  

The outcomes of the SIA help inform Community Benefit Agreement negotiations and any associated Social Impact Management Plans.  

Proponents intending to develop a renewable energy project within, or impacting upon, the Mackay Regional Council local government area must engage with Council early in the project planning process and follow the requirements outlined in council's Renewable Energy: Community Benefit System Workflow (see related documents below).

Fees apply for council's participation in the CBS process and Community Benefit Agreement negotiations. Applicable fees are outlined in council's Schedule of Fees and Charges. Additional costs associated with specialist technical or legal advice may also be recoverable from the project proponent. 

Fees will be confirmed by council following the completion of pre-lodgement tasks and submission of a Notice of Intent by the Proponent. 

The Renewable Energy: Community Benefit System Policy establishes minimum annual contribution rates for renewable energy developments. 

Council is committed to transparent administration of Community Benefit Agreements. 

Where required by legislation and agreement provisions, council will: 

• publish executed Community Benefit Agreements 
• publish relevant notices issued under the planning framework 
• report annually on Community Benefit Contributions received and expended.