May 18, 2023
Powerlink has announced a new payment scheme to boost payments to landholders who host new transmission infrastructure.
The “SuperGrid Landholder Payment Framework” was unveiled on Thursday.
Under the scheme, Queensland landholders who host new transmission infrastructure will receive higher payments, based on property-specific values and impact, as opposed to using only a flat rate.
Powerlink will also become the first transmission company in Australia to offer payments to landholders whose properties are adjacent to new transmission infrastructure.
“Queenslanders have worked hard to build an efficient publicly owned energy system. This new payment framework will see landholders receive a fair payment to recognise the important role they have in allowing us to deliver Queensland’s SuperGrid,” Energy Minister Mick de Brenni said.
“We’re building the Queensland SuperGrid, the nation’s largest, to transport cheap, clean, and secure renewable energy from across the State to power more homes and support new industries and job opportunities.”
Powerlink chief executive Paul Simshauser said increasing landholder and community expectations and the release of the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan had prompted a review last year of Powerlink’s approach.
“The new framework was guided by a dedicated reference group of stakeholders including representatives from a broad cross-section of interests, from councils and agricultural groups to large energy user advocates and consumer groups,” Mr Simshauser said.
“Providing landholders with greater flexibility around the timing of payments, with both up front and annual payment options now available, was important – along with ensuring the new framework considered the variance in property values across different regions, rather than applying a blanket approach.”
Queensland Farmers’ Federation CEO Jo Sheppard said the QFF had been pleased to be able to contribute to the discussions.
“It is important that a process is in place to represent the interests of those who will be directly impacted by transmission lines and that the needs of landholders and the broader agriculture sector are considered as the complexities of integrating grid infrastructure are navigated,” she said.
“QFF will continue to work with Powerlink to support landholders to ensure the interests of farmers are represented and minimal impacts to agricultural land occur during the renewable energy rollout to protect the future viability of our valuable food, fibre and foliage production systems.”
