February 10, 2023
South Burnett mayor Brett Otto has warned local farmers and land owners to be vigilant when entering into discussions with proponents of renewable energy developments.
He said the South Burnett region would play a major role in the State Government’s Energy and Jobs Plan and he was expecting an influx of renewable energy infrastructure developers.
“Our region can expect to see more companies moving into the area and start approaching our local farmers and private landholders to acquire or lease their land,” Mayor Otto said.
“We certainly acknowledge the short-term construction phase benefits of renewables however this must not come at the long-term expense of our local communities.”
He said land owners should understand their rights and not enter into contracts or land access agreements without adequate legal advice.
Mayor Otto warned that acting without expert advice could see farmers facing biosecurity issues, environmental impacts and possible restrictions to their farming activities.
“If these developers are serious, then they should be dipping into their corporate pockets to reimburse landholders for any specialist consulting or legal advice sought as part of their negotiations,” the Mayor said.
He said State regulations governing the activities of renewable energy companies were inadequate.
“Government regulation does little to hold these companies to account and protect the rights of private landholders and their neighbours,” Mayor Otto said.
“There is massive implications for generations to come and I won’t be sitting back and allowing our residents to be taken advantage of or see the South Burnett left behind.”
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Mayor Otto travelled to Brisbane recently to join with Council representatives from seven other coal-producing regions to discuss the economic ramifications of the Energy and Jobs Plan.
“It is absolutely critical that our regional communities have a strong voice in designing the future of our local economies,” Mayor Otto said.
“The Energy and Jobs Plan announced by the Premier is an ambitious plan, for which regional communities such as the South Burnett will be doing much of the heavy lifting.
“We won’t be sitting back and allowing our region to carry the burden without significant government investment in roads, bridges, housing and water infrastructure.
“I will continue to work closely with other mayors from regional Queensland to ensure we have a seat at the table on decisions affecting our community.”
