Queensland Council Energy Partnership Program

The energy sector is undergoing a significant transition, creating opportunities for Queensland communities to diversify, decarbonise and innovate. Local governments have an important role to play in supporting their communities to navigate this change and realise local benefits. 

The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), in partnership with the Queensland Government, is delivering the Queensland Council Energy Partnerships (QCEP) Program. The program supports councils to effectively engage in renewable energy matters and respond to the opportunities and challenges of the energy transition. 

Key Objectives 

Key objectives of the QCEP program include: 

• Building strong partnerships between Queensland Government and local councils across Queensland’s Renewable Energy Zones 
• Boosting councils’ ability to engage on energy matters, meet the challenges of the energy transition, and be equipped to support communities in harnessing the opportunities of the energy transition. 
• Delivering a series of suitable pilot projects across key areas of need, including: capacity building, connecting with expertise, investigation and planning, and engaging with local communities 

QCEP Pilot Projects  

In July 2024, a $1 million funding pool was made available to support councils requiring additional resources to respond to large-scale renewable energy developments. The program received strong interest from across the state, demonstrating the sector’s proactive approach to the energy transition. 

Council projects include: 

• Isaac Regional Council – Engaged a Renewable Energy Coordinator to support the coordination and assessment of renewable energy projects, identify emerging opportunities, and develop a community consultation framework. 
• Cairns Regional Council – Established a Renewable Energy Coordinator role focused on maximising community benefits, with a strong emphasis on regional engagement and events such as Ecofiesta, themed around renewable energy. 
• Southern Downs Regional Council – Delivered enhanced community engagement through a dedicated specialist, an online engagement platform, and local forums to capture community perspectives on the energy transition. 
• Flinders Shire Council – Supported coordination of renewable energy projects and analysis of local impacts, including housing demand associated with major infrastructure projects such as CopperString. 

Community Needs Assessments Workshops 

As part of the Queensland Council Energy Partnerships (QCEP) Program, the LGAQ delivered capacity-building workshops to support local governments in undertaking and reviewing Community Needs Assessments. 

Following the implementation of the Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2025, these assessments play an important role in informing councils’ approaches to negotiating community benefits from large-scale renewable energy developments. 

The LGAQ, in partnership with CRED Consulting, facilitated half-day interactive workshops that equipped councils with the knowledge and tools to undertake, interpret and apply Community Needs Assessments in renewable energy contexts. This supported councils to respond proactively and embed community-led outcomes into planning and policy.  

Partnership Acknowledgement  

The Queensland Council Energy Partnership Program is funded by the Queensland Government as part of the Local Energy Partnerships initiative.